Nickel Boys (Review)
Let me start here; I should mention that I never read the book this film was based on, and the trailer for the film was incredibly brief and did not provide much information, so I went into this movie with a completely open mind and a sense of curiosity. In the film, Elwood Curtis' college dreams are tragically shattered when he's sentenced to Nickel Academy, a brutal and unforgiving reformatory set in the oppressive environment of the Jim Crow South. Clinging to his optimistic worldview despite the harsh realities surrounding him, Elwood strikes up a friendship with Turner, a fellow Black teen who dispenses crucial and fundamental tips for survival in this difficult setting.
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in Nickel Boys (Amazon MGM Studios)
This movie seemed like it would be perfect for me based on its intriguing premise and the potential for deep storytelling that often draws in audiences. As a huge history enthusiast who loves nonfiction historical narratives, I’m disappointed to say that this film just didn’t resonate with me at all. While I have to commend the film for its first-person perspective and stunning cinematography that enhances the viewing experience, I found that it fell flat. After researching the book it’s based on, I understand why the film adopts this storytelling style, as it appears to pay homage to the narrative approach of the original work. There's a lot to appreciate from this unique perspective, as it truly feels like you're stepping into the shoes of the characters and experiencing everything they go through firsthand. At times, the film shifts perspectives between Elwood and Turner; these are the only two characters whose viewpoints we explore, allowing us to form meaningful connections with them as we watch their stories unfold.
The performances are truly commendable. Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, in their roles as Elwood and Turner, bring a lot of charisma that makes their characters engaging. I found myself emotionally connected to them during several touching moments. Overall, the cast does a fantastic job with the material, but the script really needs significant improvement. There are many scenes that drag on for too long, particularly one towards the end set in a pub, where the camera stays fixed in one spot for an uncomfortable stretch. As a lengthy monologue unfolded over one character's shoulder, my impatience grew, just wishing for it to end. It felt unnecessarily drawn out and would have benefited from tighter storytelling.
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in Nickel Boys (Amazon MGM Studios)
This brings me to my next point—the film's runtime, which I think warrants further discussion. It feels overly long for a movie that, in my opinion, is unlikely to resonate with most audiences. I truly believe that many viewers will find themselves bored, just waiting for the credits to roll. I was really hoping for more vivid imagery that would illustrate what the characters are experiencing on their journeys. We've seen many historical narratives that effectively draw the audience into scenes, allowing us to see and truly grasp the deep emotions the characters feel. Unfortunately, that isn't the case here. We stay locked in the first-person perspective for so long that some scenes become quite difficult to interpret, making it hard to understand exactly what is happening. With a more concise and focused script, I’m sure they could have easily cut about thirty minutes from the film's total length. This would have created opportunities for more impactful and memorable scenes that would linger with audiences long after they left the theater. Sadly, that wasn't the case, and I genuinely think many viewers might share this sentiment about the film.
In the end, Nickel Boys feels like a missed opportunity that could have made a much greater impact. I understand the choice to shoot the film from a first-person perspective, especially since the source material, the book, conveys this powerful story in that manner. However, despite the commendable direction and strong performances from the cast, these aspects alone don't allow me to fully engage with the story in this adaptation, even though I genuinely wanted to enjoy it and connect with the characters' experiences.
RATING:
2.5/5
