Mud - A Classic Coming-of-Age Story

Mud, the latest film from the mind of the highly talented writer/director Jeff Nichols, is one of 2013's under-the-radar treasures. It tells the tale of a kind-hearted boy named Ellis who lives in a house stationed on a river in Arkansas. His home life is a bit of a mess; his mom and dad don't seem to be getting along very well, but despite this Ellis has deveoted himself to the ideals of true love and the belief that it really exists. At the film's start, he and his best friend Neckbone discover a motorboat suspended in a tree on a small island in the Mississippi River. Before too long, the two of them discover the boat is occupied by a grungy, mysterious character named Mud who promises them the boat in exchange for food. Very quickly, Ellis strikes up a friendship with Mud and continues to assist him in whatever way possible. But Mud's mysterious past threatens to upend no only his own life, but that of Ellis' as well.

As far as the plot goes, I will say no more. The less you know going in the better. I will say that I'm a sucker for a good coming-of-age story and Mud is a great one. It perfectly emulates the spirit and tone of living in a small, rural area with little to entertain you except your friends and the great outdoors. It's also much more than just a simple coming-of-age tale. It's a thriller, a romance, and a drama as well and it works on every one of these levels. Jeff Nichols had already won me over with his excellent 2011 psychological thriller Take Shelter (Featuring Michael Shannon in what was arguably the best performance of that year) and with Mud he has cemented himself as one of my favorite filmmakers. His take on small-town America is lush and believable without slipping into dreaded cliche, as is all too common where southern accents are involved. He directs with immaculate skill, showcasing an eye for small details: The ripples of a lake as a boat rushes through the water; the ephemeral beauty of sunlight passing through the treetops. He appreciates the beauty of being 'in the moment' and with the superb natural lighting of Adam Stone, Mud's cinematography has a definite aura of magic that blankets the proceedings. The production design of Richard A. Wright seamlessly depects country living in all its rustic glory.

Fantastic visuals aside, Mud is just a delightful story. Its screenplay is excellent - Funny at all the right moments, occasionally heartbreaking, and deeply affecting. Nichols has a knack for crafting fairy tales totally grounded in the real world. Mud is fashioned with fascinating, well-drawn characters in realisitc settings and Nichols' dialogue is natural and totally on point. Even when you fear the plot might be delving too closely to all-too familiar contrivances, Nichols quickly pulls at the reigns and knocks you off your seat with his unique twists and turns.

Performances are outstanding across the board too. Nichols directs his young cast flawlessly. Tye Sheridan as Ellis gives one of the most convincing and natural child performances I've ever seen and Jack Lofland as Ellis' friend Neckbone is equally as effective in his role. Matthe McConaughey as the title character is irresitbly charming and mysterious; Reese Witherspoon as Juniper, the love of Mud's life, gives a vulnerable and touching performance and Sam Shepard as Ellis' mysterious neighbor Tom Blankenship is wonderful. Even Michael Shannon drops in, making a welcome appearance as Neckbone's treasure-diving, womanizing uncle and, goodness, I wish he could be in every movie.

CONCLUSION: Without a doubt, Mud is one of 2013's very best films. It's funny, touching, emotional, and exciting without feeling trite or contrived in any way. It's a definite crowd pleaser and serves as further confirmation that Jeff Nichols is one of the most talented filmmakers of this generation. I can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.

FINAL RATING: 4.5/5