When we look back in a decade or two at the cinema of the 2020s, there’s little doubt Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s novel of the same name, will be remembered as a true innovator. To call RaMell Ross’ Oscar-nominated film fresh feels like an understatement; it's as if it’s inventing a new cinematic language. The film spins a tragic tale of institutionalized racism and violence through the eyes of two young Black boys in the 1960s.
Elwood (Ethan Herisse) is not just any bright teenager; he’s politically savvy, growing up during the harsh realities of Jim Crow-era Florida with the support of his loving grandmother Hattie (a standout performance by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor). A series of unfortunate events leads to Elwood being falsely implicated in the theft of a car, landing him at The Nickel Academy, which was not merely a reform school but rather a site of systematic abuse where Black students faced horrendous treatment.
It’s at Nickel where Elwood meets Turner (Brandon Wilson), who serves as the perfect foil—where Elwood is full of hope, Turner is shaped by deep-seated cynicism. The two boys form a bond as they endure the daily cruelties of their environment, attempting to find hope and meaning amid despair. The innovative filming techniques found within Nickel Boys make this connection palpable.
What makes this film stand out is its unique narrative structure, predominantly shot from the perspective of Elwood and Turner. Viewers see the world through their eyes, experiencing both the beauty and the horror of their lives. RaMell Ross's direction, along with Jomo Fray's stunning cinematography, grounds this perspective. Fray explains, "Where someone looks or doesn’t look quite literally can be the difference between life and death." This sentiment is woven throughout the film as tensions rise and moments of innocence conflict with stark realities.
Describing the experience behind the lens, Fray shares how preproduction discussions revolved around how traditional film language could be altered to fit the boys' perspectives: “What’s an establishing shot? What’s a cut? What’s a transition? What’s an insert shot?” They aimed to dismantle and rebuild the cinematic language to truly reflect the world from their characters' viewpoints.
The approach means the actors often perform directly to the lens as if speaking intimately to the audience, making the emotional stakes feel intensely real. Fray notes the physicality involved, recalling their choice of special camera rigs, including SnorriCams to capture specific emotional responses. The intention was always clear: create first-person imagery infused with visceral connection rather than merely replicative sight.
“RaMell and I had to design every scene as a oner,” explains Fray, emphasizing their goal of crafting images grounded in human experience. The film's emotional depth stems from this bespoke approach. He insists, “Every image I make should ask a question, and the next image should answer it.” It is this philosophy of images being both evocative and humanistic which enriches the narrative's impact.
Alongside, the performances of Herisse and Wilson stand out boldly. Despite the stark circumstances, the two embody their roles with grace, breathing life and resilience through their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, making their bond more than just survival—it becomes emblematic of hope through shared human experience. Critics are already hailing the pair as rising stars, anticipating their future contributions to film.
While Nickel Boys delves deeply and oftentimes unflinchingly, it does so with visual beauty juxtaposed against the unspeakable abuses faced at the Nickel Academy. From the palpable fear felt to fleeting moments of humanity, the storytelling successfully paints the horrors of systemic racism without over-saturations of violent imagery, fostering instead, moments of quiet resistance. This daring choice is part of what draws viewers closer, allowing them to experience Halcyon memories as they are shaded by darker realities.
Each moment crafted is evocative—perhaps exemplified when Elwood’s grandmother is denied visitation rights, and he is forced to embrace Turner, sharing love through the absence of familial connection. It’s these scenes, rich with emotional depth, which make Nickel Boys resonate deeply with audiences. Fray stresses the importance of every visual and emphasizes how they sought to mirror lived experiences, saying, “It can be the difference of a centimeter between a shot feeling uncanny and immersive.”
Indeed, Nickel Boys does not just tell a story; it is shaped to engage one's senses, leaving them hopeful yet heartbroken. While the narrative does take some deviations, such meanderings serve to enrich the thematic depth rather than confound. Ross’s creation promises to be regarded as destined for cinematic reference points, drawing attention to racial injustices both historical and contemporary.
Overall, Nickel Boys stands as not only one of the most visually stunning films of the period but also as one alive with passionate storytelling and poignant performances. It captures the struggles of two Black boys finding friendship and resilience amid disheartening systemic oppression. There’s little doubt among critics and audiences alike: RaMell Ross has crafted a masterwork worth seeing now and considering for years to come.
Nickel Boys is available to stream now on Prime Video, continuing to draw viewers deep within its layered narrative and heart-wrenching reality of survival and perseverance against unimaginable odds.