Jeff Nichols's third feature traffics unerringly in truth, delicious surprise, unadorned beauty and unforced wisdom.
In the hands of Nichols, Mud emerges as a thing of bruised beauty. There's magic in it.
There's something old-fashioned about Mud, but if you allow yourself to settle into its leisurely pace, it will reward you. If he were alive today, Mark Twain would approve.
Endearing and believable, the two actors playing Ellis and Neckbone are pitch-perfect.
You come away from Mud fondly remembering those two boys, especially Ellis, who has taken his first steps toward adulthood and discovers it suits him just fine.
Jeff Nichols
Cannes Film Festival (2012)
Best Independent Trailer
Golden Trailer Awards (2013)
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