The Nickel Boys is one of the most anticipated films of the year, bringing to life a powerful story based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead. Directed by RaMell Ross, known for his impactful documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening, the film prompts deep reflection on injustice, resistance, and survival within a reformatory hiding dark secrets.
Set in the 1960s during the height of the U.S. civil rights movement, the movie follows the lives of young Black men subjected to a cruel system in an institution that promised rehabilitation but practiced torture and oppression. With a sensitive script and moving performances, The Nickel Boys blends historical drama with social critique.
If you’re a fan of films like Moonlight or 12 Years a Slave, this is a must-watch. Already acclaimed by critics, the film promises to move audiences with its raw and necessary narrative.
An Incredible Journey of Courage
The story follows Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), an intelligent and hopeful young Black man who is sent to the Nickel Academy after a minor judicial mistake. There, he discovers that the institution, supposedly meant to rehabilitate youth, is instead a place of systemic violence, abuse, and corruption.
Elwood befriends Turner (Brandon Wilson), another inmate who has learned to navigate the reformatory’s unwritten rules. While Elwood believes in justice and peaceful resistance, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, Turner takes a more pragmatic approach focused on immediate survival. Their complex relationship highlights different ways of confronting oppression.
The film’s climax reveals the horrors hidden behind the reformatory’s walls, including unexplained deaths and a corruption scheme involving powerful figures. The plot unfolds as a mix of personal drama and social indictment, leaving audiences stunned by its historical brutality.
Meet the Film’s Characters
Ethan Herisse, known for Euphoria and When They See Us, delivers a moving performance as Elwood. His character is an idealistic young man who strives to maintain his integrity even in the face of extreme adversity. Herisse masterfully conveys Elwood’s innocence and determination, making his journey even more compelling.
Brandon Wilson, who has appeared in The Chi and Queen & Slim, plays Turner, a skeptical young man who doesn’t believe in peaceful change. His chemistry with Herisse is one of the film’s highlights, showcasing two sides of the same coin: hope versus realism.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, an Oscar nominee for King Richard, portrays Harriet, a teacher trying to help the reformatory’s youth. Her character represents quiet resistance, proving that even small gestures can make a difference.
The film also features actors like Colman Domingo (Euphoria, Zola) as one of the corrupt reformatory staff and Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight, When They See Us) in a special appearance. Each performance contributes to the film’s intense and realistic atmosphere.
Film Highlights
RaMell Ross, best known for documentaries, brings a raw and realistic approach to The Nickel Boys. His direction emphasizes silence and glances, allowing the characters’ emotions to speak louder than dialogue.
The cinematography captures the 1960s aesthetic, using muted colors and strong contrasts to reinforce the oppressive setting. Scenes inside the reformatory are shot with tight framing, heightening the sense of claustrophobia.
The script, adapted by Juel Taylor (They Cloned Tyrone), stays true to Whitehead’s novel, preserving its most impactful moments. The narrative avoids melodrama, opting for a sober and reflective tone.
The authentic and emotional performances of the lead actors elevate the film, making the characters and their journeys even more powerful. The chemistry between Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, in particular, brings the central friendship to life, while Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor adds layers of emotional depth with her portrayal of Harriet.
Why Is It Worth Watching?
The Nickel Boys is not just a film about injustice—it’s a work that sparks reflection and dialogue on still-relevant social issues. Below, we highlight why this movie deserves your attention.
By depicting the horrors faced by young Black men in a 1960s reform institution, the film serves as a powerful reminder of past injustices and ongoing struggles for equality. It invites viewers to reflect on social structures and systems that perpetuate discrimination, encouraging a critical analysis of the present in light of the past.
The choice to film in first-person and the integration of archival footage demonstrate the director’s willingness to experiment and innovate in cinematic language. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also challenges viewers to engage more deeply with the story, offering a unique and memorable film experience.
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