NICKEL BOYS -- A Powerful, Heart-Wrenching Film That Shines a Light on Humanity’s Darkest Corners

Review by Jonathan Berk

The real tragedy of humanity seems to be that every time we think we understand the depths of human horror, we uncover yet another atrocity. Just when we believe that humanity couldn’t sink lower, there’s a reminder of how evil we can be. While some might not turn to cinema for a history lesson that could lead to existential dread, it’s crucial to know what true evil looks like so we can recognize and confront it when it resurfaces. Nickel Boys, RaMell Ross's powerful adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel, inspired by the horrific story of the Dozier School for Boys, sheds light on the darkest corners of our world. This is a powerful, devastating film that demands to be experienced.

Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) is a young man with dreams of going to college and making a difference through civil disobedience in the ’60s. But an innocent mistake shatters his ambitions and lands him in Nickel Academy, a reformatory school deep in the Jim Crow South. Isolated and disillusioned, Elwood eventually befriends Turner (Brandon Wilson), and together they form an unlikely alliance. Elwood’s enduring optimism, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty, ignites a spark of hope in Turner.

There’s no denying the emotional power this film holds. It’s one of the few times at a critic screening that the room was silent once the credits rolled—no murmurs, no whispered reactions, just the weight of the story settling over every viewer. Nickel Boys is a bleak reminder of the horrors we cannot ignore or allow. It’s hard to recommend lightly, as most will leave feeling shaken, but the storytelling and craftsmanship make it a must-watch.

Ross makes a bold directorial choice by telling much of the story from a first-person perspective. The film opens with a character gazing at his hand while lying in the grass, and then at oranges on a nearby tree. For several moments, Elwood’s face remains unseen, only appearing in reflections or glances. Initially, this perspective felt challenging, but as the film progressed, Ross’s vision clicked into place, and the unique viewpoint became integral to the story’s impact. While I hope this style doesn’t become a trend, Ross’s use of it here feels entirely justified.

Herisse faces a unique challenge in this role, as he must convey emotion with limited traditional screen presence. Yet, despite these constraints, he brings Elwood’s personality, inner turmoil, and steadfast optimism vividly to life. Wilson serves as a powerful counter to Herisse’s performance. Turner’s confidence and edge contrast sharply with Elwood’s idealism, and Wilson’s screen presence is undeniable, adding depth to their complex friendship. Unforgettable performances and bold direction make Nickel Boys an absolute must-watch.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor also stands out as Elwood’s grandmother, offering some of the film’s most memorable moments. One scene, where she quietly speaks while cutting a slice of cake, is a simple act rendered unforgettable through her performance. Meanwhile, Hamish Linklater’s portrayal of Spencer, the head of Nickel Academy, is chilling. He doesn’t play a cartoonish villain but embodies an evil made terrifyingly mundane. Ross wisely leaves much of the horror to the imagination, but Linklater’s towering presence over the boys is enough to convey the unspeakable cruelty of Nickel Academy. Chillingly authentic, Nickel Boys leaves a weight on every viewer’s heart.

Nickel Boys is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent. Stories of prison horrors are not new, but the abuse of imprisoned youths is even more harrowing, especially when society knows and allows it to continue. This film reminds us that allowing such mistreatment is unacceptable and that by ignoring it, we risk becoming complicit ourselves.

Nickel Boys will be in theaters on December 13.

Rating: 5/5