Mud (2012)
Coming-of-age drama seen through the eyes of two boys - Ellis and Neckbone - who discover and befriend a charismatic fugitive named Mud (Matthew McConaughey), hiding on an island on the Mississippi. Mud takes a liking to the boys and recruits them to his cause: the search for true love and a clean getaway. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), co-starring Reese Witherspoon and Michael Shannon.
Mud describes fantastic scenarios - he killed a man in Texas and vengeful kinsfolk are coming to get him. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life, Juniper (Witherspoon), who is waiting for him in town. Skeptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him. It isn’t long until Mud’s visions come true and their small town is besieged by a beautiful girl with a line of bounty hunters in tow.
- Director:
- Jeff Nichols ('Take Shelter', 'Shotgun Stories')
- Writer:
- Jeff Nichols
- Cast:
- Matthew McConaugheyTye SheridanJacob LoflandReese WitherspoonSarah PaulsonRay McKinnonSam ShepardMichael Shannon
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksWriter-director Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter) continues his clean record of outstanding cinema with another southern tale dense in its display of romantic ideals, youthful ignorance, emotional transference and the wisdom contained in broken adults. Glorification is a key theme, with Nichols applying a similar lens to Southern America with eye-fluttering, sun-scorched photography from regular DOP Adam Stone and a tender soundtrack smooched by Dirty Three and David Wingo.
Clever and Engaging!!!
McConaughey at his best!!! Sahara really got me into his movies, action, grit, cunning and a little humour. In this film we see a darker side, a more survival inspired character with flaws. A character that grows and matures and becomes a likable rogue the whole time remaining in mystery. The younger actors do a brilliant job alongside the bigger stars,...
Variety
pressConfidently expanding his inquiry into the essence of American masculinity, Nichols' latest pressure-cooker pastoral conjures a wily figure of endangered Southern chivalry.
Total Film
pressMore accessible than Take Shelter but not as powerful, Mud boasts stunning photography, a mesmerising lead and a strong evocation of Americana. McConaughey’s gold run continues…
Time Out
pressThere's an argument to be made that there's a calculated degree of cliché to this sweet, Southern-fried fairytale, that Nichols is paying tribute here to his more mainstream inspirations.
The New York Times
pressMr. Nichols's voice is a distinctive and welcome presence in American film.
The Guardian
pressA rich, sweet slice of Americana - although a little more contrived and sentimental than it promises to be at first.
Los Angeles Times
pressOne of the most creatively rich and emotionally rewarding movies to come along this year.
Little White Lies
pressNichols keeps getting better, but his masterpiece is (excitingly) still to come.
Hollywood Reporter
pressShot through with traditional qualities of American literature and drama.
Empire Magazine
pressA bold, intelligent, 21st century take on Mark Twain - with added occult tendencies.
Flicks, Liam Maguren
flicksWriter-director Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter) continues his clean record of outstanding cinema with another southern tale dense in its display of romantic ideals, youthful ignorance, emotional transference and the wisdom contained in broken adults. Glorification is a key theme, with Nichols applying a similar lens to Southern America with eye-fluttering, sun-scorched photography from regular DOP Adam Stone and a tender soundtrack smooched by Dirty Three and David Wingo.
Variety
pressConfidently expanding his inquiry into the essence of American masculinity, Nichols' latest pressure-cooker pastoral conjures a wily figure of endangered Southern chivalry.
Total Film
pressMore accessible than Take Shelter but not as powerful, Mud boasts stunning photography, a mesmerising lead and a strong evocation of Americana. McConaughey’s gold run continues…
Time Out
pressThere's an argument to be made that there's a calculated degree of cliché to this sweet, Southern-fried fairytale, that Nichols is paying tribute here to his more mainstream inspirations.
The New York Times
pressMr. Nichols's voice is a distinctive and welcome presence in American film.
The Guardian
pressA rich, sweet slice of Americana - although a little more contrived and sentimental than it promises to be at first.
Los Angeles Times
pressOne of the most creatively rich and emotionally rewarding movies to come along this year.
Little White Lies
pressNichols keeps getting better, but his masterpiece is (excitingly) still to come.
Hollywood Reporter
pressShot through with traditional qualities of American literature and drama.
Empire Magazine
pressA bold, intelligent, 21st century take on Mark Twain - with added occult tendencies.
Clever and Engaging!!!
McConaughey at his best!!! Sahara really got me into his movies, action, grit, cunning and a little humour. In this film we see a darker side, a more survival inspired character with flaws. A character that grows and matures and becomes a likable rogue the whole time remaining in mystery. The younger actors do a brilliant job alongside the bigger stars,...
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