I’ve read pieces on Nickel Boys suggesting its unique style is either challenging or something you have to adjust to initially in order to be fully engrossed in the story. Some critics have even dinged it for such ambition, claiming its technical decisions—like telling the story almost entirely through literal first-person POV—create distance from the narrative. They argue that RaMell Ross‘ debut fictional feature sidesteps the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel it’s adapted from.
I’d argue the opposite. Not only is Nickel Boys incredibly easy to sink into, with its deceptively sweet approach to first-person POV contrasting the terrifying and evil world surrounding our main characters, Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), but it’s also a textbook example of what adaptation should be. Ross distills the most important plot points, themes, and historical contexts that make the original novel so enveloping and effective, while crafting the filmed version into something wholly his own. It’s the work of a potentially seismic filmmaker finding his voice in real time. Every image and fleeting moment brims with both purpose and artistry.
And for all of those reasons, it’s no surprise that Nickel Boys is one of the best movies of 2024. You probably didn’t need me to tell you that. The film has already been lauded by nearly every critics’ circle on the awards circuit. For a movie that isn’t necessarily experimental but is undeniably bold, it’s encouraging to see such rapturous applause. Nickel Boys demands that its viewers meet it on its own level, embracing the intricate technical and visceral details that are abundant throughout. It’s a testament to RaMell Ross’ vision and to audiences’ willingness to celebrate a film that challenges and moves them in equal measure.
Nickel Boys follows two young Black teenagers, Elwood and Turner, as they navigate the harrowing trials of a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. Told vividly and brilliantly through the literal eyes of both teens, the film invites viewers to see the world through a perspective that is simultaneously fearful and hopeful—a lens that reflects the resilience of youth even as it is slowly shattered by a monstrous system designed to oppress rather than uplift.
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson deliver standout performances, embodying the wistfulness and vulnerability of adolescence while showcasing the deep reliance the boys have on each other to hold onto hope. Their bond becomes a lifeline as the world around them crumbles, threatening to consume them in the unrelenting cruelty of the reform school. Their portrayals pulse with raw emotion, capturing the desperation and fleeting moments of joy that make their journey so poignant.
RaMell Ross wields the first-person camera perspective with stunning precision, crafting moments that are as visually arresting as they are thematically rich. One of the most breathtaking instances occurs when Elwood and Turner meet for the first time. The camera seamlessly switches perspectives, allowing us to see Elwood not only through his own eyes but also as Turner perceives him—a juxtaposition that deepens our understanding of both characters.
This visual shift highlights the complex interplay between self-perception and external judgment. Elwood’s mannerisms, speech, and presence are revealed as both familiar to him and entirely new when filtered through Turner’s lens. The contrast between these viewpoints is quietly profound, underscoring the boys’ individuality while foreshadowing the shared experiences that will bond them in the face of an oppressive system. Ross’ ability to convey so much with a single technical choice exemplifies the film’s thoughtful and innovative storytelling.
The supporting cast of Nickel Boys delivers powerful performances that deepen the emotional resonance of the film. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, as Elwood’s grandmother Hattie, is particularly haunting. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with the systemic injustice that has stolen her grandson’s future is both understated and devastating. Ellis-Taylor conveys a quiet but palpable despair as Hattie comes to terms with the fact that neither she nor Elwood may ever find true justice.
The film’s flash-forwards introduce Daveed Diggs as an older Elwood, a man burdened by the scars of his past. These segments provide a sobering counterpoint to the reform school narrative, as Elwood sifts through archival materials—photos, news clippings, and documents—that expose the horrifying scale of the abuse at the school. Diggs brings a contemplative intensity to these scenes, embodying the weight of survivor’s guilt and the relentless pursuit of answers.
Hamish Linklater’s Spencer is a chilling embodiment of institutional cruelty. His cold, authoritarian demeanor and bursts of unchecked anger make him an unforgettable antagonist, a looming threat that casts a shadow over every scene. Fred Hechinger’s Harper, on the other hand, offers a more complex portrayal. His seemingly kind gestures—taking Elwood and Turner on errands outside the school—provide fleeting moments of reprieve, but his deceptive and ambiguous morality adds a noticeable layer of unease.
Together, this ensemble brings the reform school’s ecosystem to life, capturing the full spectrum of complicity, resilience, and despair that defines Nickel Boys. Each performance feels deeply lived-in, amplifying the film’s thematic heft and its emotional impact.
RaMell Ross’ Nickel Boys stands tall as one of 2024’s most extraordinary films, masterfully blending bold conceptual choices with profound emotional depth. It exemplifies adaptation at its finest, using its inventive techniques not as a veneer for weaker material but as a means to amplify the richness of its story and themes.
Nickel Boys is a film that demands revisiting—not just for its intricate craft but for its ability to provoke thought and elicit new layers of meaning with each viewing. It’s filled with “little moments” that linger, interspersed with larger thematic revelations that feel as timely as they are timeless. It’s not just a film of ambition; it’s a film of importance. Its narrative, technical innovation, and emotional potency combine to create something that feels, above all else, major.
Score: 9/10
- Cast: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs
- Director: RaMell Ross
- Genre: Drama, History
- Runtime: 140 minutes
- Rated: R
- Release Date: December 14, 2024
- Read about Nickel Boys (2024) on Wikipedia and IMDb
More Movies Directed by RaMell Ross
RaMell Ross has directed the following movies:
- Hale County This Morning, This Evening (2018)
- Nickel Boys (2024)
More Movies Starring Ethan Herisse
Ethan Herisse has starred in the following movies:
- When They See Us (2019)
- The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)
- Nickel Boys (2024)
More Movies Starring Brandon Wilson
Brandon Wilson has starred in the following movies:
- The Way Back (2020)
- Nickel Boys (2024)
