Review by Robbie Fleming
Director: RaMell Ross
Studio: Amazon Studios
Based on the book by Colson Whitehead, Nickel Boys follows two African American boys, Elwood (played by Ethan Herisse) and Turner (played by Brandon Wilson), who are sent to an abusive reform school in 1960s Florida. What sets this adaptation apart is its unique storytelling approach—shot entirely from a first-person perspective. The film, directed by RaMell Ross in his first fictional narrative feature, also stars Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, Jimmie Fails, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
What I appreciate most about Nickel Boys is its ambitious use of first-person cinematography. Seeing the entire story unfold through the protagonist’s eyes is an immersive and, at times, unsettling experience. Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray deserve credit for this bold cinematic achievement, effectively placing the audience in the main character’s shoes in a way rarely seen in mainstream filmmaking.
However, the story itself feels somewhat lacking. Typically, I find civil rights-era films gripping, as I have a deep interest in African American history and culture. But while most films in this genre hold my attention from start to finish, Nickel Boys feels more like a vehicle for its unique visual style rather than a fully realized narrative. The concept is strong, and the story is undoubtedly important, but the screenplay doesn’t quite match the film’s visual ambition.
The performances are solid but not particularly remarkable. While the cast is full of talented actors, none of the performances stand out as award-worthy. That said, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor—who I thought was brilliant in 2021’s King Richard—delivers the film’s strongest performance as the protagonist’s grandmother. However, compared to this year’s Oscar nominees, her role doesn’t quite reach the same level of impact.
Overall, Nickel Boys is worth watching for its groundbreaking cinematography, which offers a rare and immersive perspective. However, the screenplay and performances could have been stronger, making this one of the weaker Best Picture nominees in my opinion.
I give Nickel Boys at rating of a 3.5 out of 5 stars and a 7/10
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