Nickel Boys

7.1 - I, in no way, want it to seem like this wasn’t powerful or moving, or well done. But I think I fall on the side of the stylistic choices coming off as potentially gimmicky, & overall somewhat distracting from the absolute gut wrenching emotional center of the story.

The shifting POV (or almost POV angle in present day), to the non-linear timelines, to the intercuts of other time relevant news stories all almost became a distraction rather than a useful prop for the central story. Trying to remember (or figure out) whose view I was watching & what time were we in made me realize a few times I was almost more concerned with how the film was being made & delivered, more than the what was happening to these people. And this story deserves better than that. I expect there were probably concerns about telling this story conventionally coming off as cliche, but I can’t help but wonder what that final product might have looked like.

There is still a ton to love. It’s shot beautifully & acted well. And the emotion is absolutely felt, regardless of delivery. It is one that should be seen by as many people as possible. And it’s a story I want to learn more about. I appreciate the creativity, I just wish it connected more smoothly.

The Nickel Boys follows two Black boys trapped in a brutal reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida, where they endure unspeakable cruelty and cling to hope for survival. Shot from a first-person POV, the film’s perspective makes its harrowing true story feel even more immersive and inescapable. The weight of its subject matter is heightened by stellar performances from both lead actors, while the cinematography and symbolism add even more layers to unpack. A beautifully made but devastating film. 8/10

I think this movie was so cinematic and i loved how it was filmed never really seen anything like it. The story is so heartbreaking and eye opening i really enjoyed this film

that ending was devestating

A period Drama that both puts us in the shoes of the 2 protagonists and keeps all other characters at arms length because of its vaguely disjointed structure.

such a tragic and beautiful story. using the first person pov really impacted how i feel towards the character. the emotion, the horror, everything. in the middle of injustice you faced it yourself, still questioning why you did the same thing to your own people...?