Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a high-achieving student activist involved in the Civil Rights Movement, finds his bright future derailed when he hitches a ride with a car thief to attend his first college class, leading to his unjust sentence to Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory in the Jim Crow South.
Directed by RaMell Ross, “Nickel Boys” is a historical drama adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead. The film inspired by the Dozier School for Boys — a now-closed Florida reform school notorious for its abusive treatment of students — is a worthwhile watch as it provides the perfect opportunity for people to educate themselves on the challenges of achieving true equality. The film premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on Aug. 30 and was released in theaters on Dec. 13.
This story follows two African American boys, Elwood and Turner (Brandon Wilson), who are sent to the Nickel Academy in 1960s Florida. Despite being the height of the Civil Rights Movement, segregation was still prevalent at Nickel Academy as there were disparities in treatment based on race. While white boys enjoyed the luxury of simply being kids, playing football, Black boys were forced to complete manual labor, picking oranges in sweltering conditions.
Both hesitant and reserved, Elwood and Turner gravitate towards each other in such an establishment. They look out for each other throughout the film, becoming close companions as they try to get by every day in fear of inhumane punishment from Nickel’s white staff.
Elwood represents the idealists of the Civil Rights Movement who believed they could change the system. He stands up for complete strangers at Nickel Academy and believes in making a difference, no matter how small, maintaining an optimistic outlook on everything. On the other hand, Turner represents the uncertainty faced by many African Americans at the time. He tends to keep his head down and avoids drawing attention, just trying to survive until he can leave the institution.
The film is shot in the first-person perspective, allowing the audience to have direct eye contact with each character. Although this approach may confuse the audience as they start to familiarize themselves with each character, it ultimately draws the viewers to be immersed in their experiences. It is remarkable how the cast took on the challenge of performing straight into the camera, all while interacting with other characters. This technique shows their versatility and skill, as they convey complex emotions and maintain the story’s authenticity despite the unconventional filming method.
At nearly two and a half hours, “Nickel Boys” may seem a bit lengthy, but its runtime serves to show the slow and difficult challenges the boys at Nickel Academy went through. Elwood and Turner’s experiences with segregation and discrimination are shown throughout the film, effectively representing the abuse faced by many African Americans during that time.
“Nickel Boys” is the film that rightfully earned two Oscar nominations this year because it is completed with depth and sensitivity. Under Ross’s direction, the cast’s acting allows viewers to immerse themselves in the harsh realities of racial discrimination as well as the resilience of humankind. Honoring Whitehead’s novel, this adaptation challenges society to reflect on the legacy of systemic racism and the fight for equality.
“Nickel Boys”
2 hours, 20 minutes
Rated PG-13 for some strong language, violent content and smoking
Directed by RaMell Ross
Starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
