“Nickel Boys” An Immersive, Important Story
- Matt Palmer
- Mar 5, 2025
- 2 min read
“Nickel Boys” is a historical drama based on the 2019 novel “The Nickel Boys.” Just like most films that are featured at Winter Fest, this film received numerous accolades and was also nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.
Elwood Curtis’ college dream shatters alongside a two lane Florida highway. Bearing the brunt of an innocent misstep, he’s sentenced to the netherworld of Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory sunk deep in the Jim Crow South.
He encounters another ward, the seen-it-all Turner. The two Black teens strike up an alliance; Turner dispensing fundamental tips for survival, while Elwood is clinging to his optimistic worldview.
Despite Nickel’s brutality, Elwood strives to hold onto his humanity, awakening a new vision for Turner.
The Oscar nominated “Nickel Boys” is a deep story that features outstanding performances and delivers an intimate and emotionally impactful film experience.
The filmmakers decision to tell the story of Elwood and Turner from their points of view also helps make this film impactful. The POV shots can be a little distracting at times sure, but once you’re engrossed in the film, you won’t even notice.
The film also doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable moments. One of the film’s most harrowing sequences involves a Nickel supervisor doing punishments. The actual acts occur off screen, yet the boys’ reactions to the supervisor’s punishments are really emotional and hard to watch.
“Nickel Boys” can be not easy to watch at some parts of the film. Not only due to some of the tough subject matter and the POV filming style. The film features quite a few flashbacks as the immersive story is being told. From what I have read about the book, the book also features flashbacks.
If you’re not familiar with the book (like myself), you’ll still be completely engrossed with the film and its powerful story. Filled with amazing performances, an immersive, intense story and much more, “Nickel Boys” is a don’t miss during the film festival.
Cast: Ethan Herisse (Elwood); Ethan Cole Sharp (Young Elwood); Daveed Diggs (adult Elwood); Brandon Wilson (Turner); Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Hattie); Hamish Linklater (Spencer); Fred Hechinger (Harper); Jimmie Fails (Mr. Hill).
Writer/director: Joslyn Barnes (writer); RaMell Ross (co-writer/director)
Trivia: The adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, “The Nickel Boys,” was reported to be in development in October 2022. In a unique filmmaking approach for viewers to see the plot unfold directly through the eyes of the two protagonists, the film was shot in the first person POV with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio.
“Nickel Boys” premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024 and was named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the AFI. The film has also received numerous accolades, including Best Cinematography at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards, a Best Picture-Drama nomination at the Golden Globes and two Oscar nominations (Best Picture; Best Adapted Screenplay).
MPAA rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving racism, some strong language including racial slurs, violent content and smoking (running time 140 minutes)
Film Festival: The remaining show dates and times for “Nickel Boys” are March 6 at 2:30 and March 11 at noon.
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