#mcconaughy

There is a quiet Southern beast of a film drifting into art house and popular cinemas this summer. And like the reeling Mississippi River where the film takes place, writer/director Jeff Nichols' third feature film Mud is an elemental force of nature. 

Nichols' third film continues the tradition of his first two impressive features (Shotgun Stories [2007] and Take Shelter [2011]) by presenting a simple story that as the film progresses comes to embody a multitude of themes usually only found in fine literature. Mud does not break this mold and deals with the themes of life and death and everything in between: childhood innocence, obsession, class distinctions, redemption, and family. All of these themes are wrapped in Nichols' patented neo-Gothic Americana aesthetic and setting, and the director places the film in familiar territory by placing the story in his childhood territory of southern Arkansas. 

Humble beginnings typically beget incredible journeys and Mud is no different. A Twain-esque tale of two childhood friends discovering an abandoned boat stuck in a tree on a deserted river island creates an incredible template for which Nichols and his cast flourish under the sting of the Southern sun.

Contrary to the poster pictured above, this movie's two protagonists are two relatively unknown young actors. Tye Sheridan (only previously seen as one of the children in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life) and newcomer Jacob Lofland portray childhood friends Ellis and Neckbone. Through journeying and progressing through obstacles both extraordinary (assisting a violent fugitive) and typical (first teenage crushes), Sheridan and Lofland carry the weight of the movie's multitude of themes with the skill and maturity of actors twice their age. 

Besides the unexpected  performances of the two young male leads, Matthew McConaughey delvers yet another stunning turn as a romantic fugitive/vigilante named simply Mud. McConaughey is experiencing a joyous second act in his career where the actor mostly known for his shirtless portrayals of one-dimensional men in romantic comedies has been delivering hit after acting hit. Brooding, vulnerable, and saturated with Southern superstitions,  McConaughey shines as the title character. Over the past two years, the actor has blossomed with each successive performance and McConaughey's acting potential seems to know no bounds.

Also of note is the small supporting role of long time Nichols collaborator Michael Shannon as Neckbone's uncle and legal guardian Galen. Shannon's portrayal of a middle-age river pearl diver who has not quite yet grown up is immature but constantly grappling with his parental responsibilities. One particular scene between Galen and Ellis allows Shannon to embody an unorthodox father figures as he humorously attempts and fails to give romantic advice to the teenage Ellis.

Mud is a summer film that every movie goer deserves but rarely receives during this time of year when cineplexes are drowning in explosions, sequels, franchises, and super heroes. All of the film's components run together like the water of the Mississippi River and like the great river provides a refreshing adventure. The light of Nichols' film enlivens the horizon and the potential careers of all involved seem limitless. Do yourself a favor and see Mud where and whenever you can. It is pure Southern bliss.