Review by Alyn Darnay
Written and Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Shannon, and Joe Don Baker
It starts with a boat in a tree, on an island in a lake, inhabited temporarily by a mysterious stranger, who will forever change the lives of two young boys out on an adventure. It’s a story of obsessive love, of first love, of women who are unworthy of love, of divorce, of men and boys caught up in the throws of it all, and most certainly a “coming of age at every age†parable. It’s a sweet southern fairytale; a “Gumbo†if you will, that has all the earmarks of being an adapted classic novel, yet it’s an original story. The movie wants to take its background from Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn“, but it feels more like “Winter’s Boneâ€. It is a complex tale told in a sly quiet way that forces itself into your mind, because you’re compelled to find out what the characters are really all about below the surface.
Yes, the movie is that good. I’m not going to tell you anymore about the plot, I’ve already said too much. You need to experience MUD for yourself, let it charm you just as it did the audiences at Sundance, South By Southwest, and Cannes.
I will however, talk about the acting, because it’s so outstanding that no one person’s presence towers over the others. It is the perfect ensemble. The acting is consummate throughout. McConaughey, grubby and adrift in his life as MUD, turns in one of his greatest performances to date. Tye Sheridan (remember his name) as young Ellis is a special find as is his buddy NeckBone played by Jacob Lofiand. Sam Shepard, who appears to be born for this role, is above his usual high standard, and Reese Witherspoon is excellent playing against type in a pivotal cameo. Everyone in this film seems so real you’ll forget they are actors playing a part in a movie.
Indie Director Jeff Nichols, on his third outing here (Take Shelter, Shotgun Stories) has written a fable that is ageless while still being current with the times, quite a feat. And as a director he was able to bring all the elements together in a style uniquely his own, wrapped up in some of the most beautiful cinematography of rural Arkansas you’re ever likely to see, because it’s fast vanishing.
I had to think about MUD for a day or two before I could write this, I wanted to be sure of my feeling about the movie. It’s different. I mean the themes are familiar; they are just dealt with differently, excellently. So here’s my take; there are a lot of films worth seeing in the theaters right now and I know a small film like this gets overlooked easily, however, if you’re looking for a great drama with tremendous soul, don’t overlook this one!
Rating: 4-1/2 Stars (out of 5) “MUD†is rated PG-13  2hr.10min.