Writer/Director: RaMell Ross
Starring: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
When it comes to the best books ever written about schools which mistreat boys, it’s worth discussing Nickel Boys. Since its publication in 2019, Colson Whitehead’s book has become a beloved classic. The book gained recognition for its depiction of black boys forming lasting friendships seeking redemption in institutions. Through shining a light on the plight faced by black boys in American schools, the book has gained spotlight. A timeless piece of literature, the book changed understanding of American schools that don’t always treat students with a kind manner. At a time when abuse remains a common issue in American schools, the book shed light on controversial issues experienced by the education system rarely in the headline news. By its powerful portrayals of challenges black boys attending American schools face, it has become a timeless book people in America embrace. Given its massive impact on America shining light on controversial issues that are rarely seen, the book has deserved to be adapted into a movie on the big-screen.
Now, RaMell Ross adapts the renowned book about schools that mistreat black boys in his Oscar-nominated movie “Nickel Boys”. Ross’ movie offers a beautiful adaptation of a bold book about abuse in America’s school system. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best films of 2024. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Ethan Herisee, who portrays a black student battling racism in a corrupt education system. Ultimately, what makes “Nickel Boys” a bold masterpiece is its message. Unlike most films about boarding schools in America, it tackles universal themes which everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message regarding the power of friendships which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic masterpiece about schools which mistreat boys, there are several strong reasons why “Nickel Boys” is a film that is worth seeing.
Set in 1960’s Florida, “Nickel Boys” tells a story of a group of boys attending an abusive school causing trauma. Ethan Herisee plays Elwood, a black teenager with strong ambitions. Elwood has always had bright dreams of becoming a hero in his African American neighbourhood. However, Elwood’s dreams are forever ruined when he is sent to a reformatory school by his grandmother. Known as Nickel Academy, it’s a strict school which treats students with cruelty. Elwood has a hard time adjusting towards life in a school where he feels misunderstood. Just when all hope seems to be lost, Elwood finds a refuge in friendship. Forming a friendship with his caring classmate Turner (Brandon Wilson), Elwood seeks to overcome a school causing a great deal of tension. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Elwood begins to wonder if it’s possible to escape a school which causes disaster. Facing a dilemma, Elwood questions if it’s possible for him to survive a demanding school in Florida.
RaMell Ross is a newcomer towards themes of education. Before he had made “Nickel Boys”, Ross had never made a movie about schools in Florida before. Ross was renowned for making documentaries about race. His award-winning documentary “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” captured a life of a black community with strong religious views. With “Nickel Boys”, however, Ross made his first drama about the lives of black boys in American schools. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture painful barriers experienced by black boys in schools causing disasters but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Ross captures a black boy embarking on a journey to discover his identity in a school causing tragedy. For a first-time filmmaker in America, Ross shows an exceptional control behind the cameras. Ross effectively uses first person point of view shots to capture the perspective of a black boy that is stuck in a school. Throughout the movie, the film is shot from the perspective of Elwood as he faces a prejudiced school system. Through this ingenious technique, Ross crafts a strong character that audiences can easily relate to. For instance, first person shots enhance the school entry scene. During this unforgettable scene, Elwood enters the Nickel Academy for the first time witnessing a school that’s painful. First person shots are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” proved clearly, first-person shots enhance commemorated horror films about scary sharks. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using breathtaking visuals, Ross captures tensions that black boys in corrupted schools are facing.
Another commendable aspect of “Nickel Boys” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical point-of-view, the film is so well-made that it’s hard to believe it’s only a directorial debut. Ross’ decision to shoot the movie in real-life schools in Florida is risky but pays off tremendously. Throughout the movie, the production of the school plays an essential role capturing the lives of boys facing tension. For instance, production-design of the school elevates the abuse scene. During this painful scene, Elwood becomes a victim of abuse at the school for breaking rules. One appreciates the production capturing the lives of teenagers in abusive schools facing tension. Schools are tricky settings to use in films. As John Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club” suggested, schools are settings that suit 1980’s coming of age films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Alex Somers’ commemorated music is integral toward success of the film. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that students in an abusive institution bear. Through extraordinary production-design, Ross captures the frightening tensions experience by African-American boys in abusive schools whose lives decline.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “Nickel Boys” is a captivating classic which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and successfully uses scenes of silence to capture the strong bonds between a pair of friends in an abusive school. Throughout the film, Ross successfully uses subtle scenes of silence to capture black boys developing friendships in an institution of violence. Inspired with Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption”, Ross effectively uses silence to capture the bonds between boys seeking redemption in a tough institution. For instance, silence elevates the painting scene. During this heartfelt scene, Elwood and Turner have a candid conversation about the ways of escaping Nickel Academy to overcome tragedy without being caught by the authorities. Like Red and Andy Defresne’s bold bond in Shawshank prison, Elwood and Turner cork bonds in an institution. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” suggested, silence elevates movies about the Holocaust. John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” demonstrated silence elevates horror films about silent survival. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Ross captures lives of black boys in cutthroat schools that endure a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ethan Herisee delivers one of his finest career performances as Elwood. In his first ever lead role, Herisee poured his heart and soul into a black boy in abusive schools facing emotional toll. It isn’t easy to portray a black boy facing abuse in an educational institution but Herisee succeeds immensely. With bold expressions, he captured the angst, grief and resilience of a black boy attending an abusive school which is frightening. It’s a role that gave the actor the chance to showcase emotional range he had not shown in his career before. It’s a fantastic performance from one of the most promising African-American actors current working in the film industry today.
Brandon Wilson is brilliant as a black student which seeks to escape a corrupt educational institution causing tension. While Herisee gets the showier role, Wilson is equally excellent as an adolescent that’s driven to achieve a goal. As Turner, Wilson expertly uses body language to create a student there compelling. Whether he’s forming a friendship with Elwood during their first meeting or revealing the secrets of a school that’s frightening, Wilson successfully uses his body language to create a character that’s compelling. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most gifted young black actors working today.
Finally, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor merits praise. As Elwood’s strong mother, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Nickel Boys” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing tensions experienced by black boys. Unlike most movies about lives of boarding school students, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses universal themes including abuse, education and trauma which would definitely resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American schools to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about the power of friendship which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Nickel Boys” is one of those rare films about educational schools everyone would adore.
Fans of the coming-of-age genre will definitely appreciate “Nickel Boys” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A mesmerizing masterpiece, it proves stories of abusive schools are worth telling in movies.
Nearly 10 years following the publication of a groundbreaking book capturing hardships that black boys seeking to survive in a frightening school using abuse are facing, it’s a riveting reminder that stories about America’s corrupt education system that treats African-American students with cruelty whose tales are rarely ever told can be depicted in movies that have the power to spread awareness of issues that are worth discussing.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 