Director: Jeff Nichols.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon.
Running Time: 130 Minutes.
Certificate: 12A.
Synopsis: Two friends, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), meet Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a convict in hiding from the law and the vengeful relatives of the man he killed. Forming a close friendship with the man, the two boys endeavour to help Mud build a boat so he can escape to freedom with his beloved girlfriend.
A simple tale of love, friendship, forgiveness, and above all, relationships, MUD teams Matthew McConaughey with acclaimed director Jeff Nichols for what can only be described as one of the most endearing films you’re likely to see this year – not something one would expect from a film about an escaped murderer, that’s for sure.
It’s a credit to the strong writing and McConaughey’s performance that despite this moral issue surrounding murder, the character of Mud remains the better man throughout the film. Immensely charismatic and charming, his friendship with Ellis and Neckbone feels real, no doubt due to his excellent chemistry with young actors Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. The two young leads – especially Tye Sheridan – are captivating and more than capable of holding the screen and the viewer’s interest whenever McConaughey is off-screen.
Nichols’ screenplay is sublime, his characters well developed, and the themes well explored. The running story of Ellis’ desperate need to find a relationship that is perfect in response to his parents’ upcoming divorce is a nice touch to both the narrative and his character, whilst the dialogue between Mud and the boys is consistently funny and engaging.
If there’s any criticism to direct at the film, it’s towards the running time, which is perhaps a bit long for such a small and intimate piece. But it’s a minor issue, as MUD is an excellent coming-of-age story that has its heart firmly in the right place. McConaughey delivers charm and gravitas in bucket loads, and Jeff Nichols’ direction is as excellent as it has ever been. Simply put, MUD is a film that must be seen.
THE SUNDANCE LONDON FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 25-28 APRIL AT THE O2. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TICKETS VISIT: http://www.sundance-london.com
