RaMell Ross’ ‘Nickel Boys’ Is a Haunting and Unforgettable Cinematic Achievement

RaMell Ross’ Nickel Boys brings Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life in a striking and thought-provoking adaptation that delves into the harsh realities of a 1960s Florida reform school. For his first narrative feature, the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker uses a predominantly first-person perspective to immerse the audience in the intimate experiences of the young boys at its center. With lyrical storytelling and striking visuals, Ross crafts a haunting exploration of systemic abuse during the Jim Crow era while celebrating the resilience of its protagonists. Co-written with Joslyn Barnes, the screenplay weaves a complex narrative that challenges viewers to confront buried truths and enduring injustices.

At the heart of the story is Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a bright teenager from Tallahassee whose promising future is derailed by a cruel twist of fate. On his way to advanced classes at a technical college, Elwood is wrongfully arrested for theft after hitching a ride in a stolen car. Sent to the Nickel Academy, a reform school with a facade of discipline and reform, he discovers the horrors lurking behind its gates. There, he meets Turner (Brandon Wilson), a realist whose guarded cynicism contrasts sharply with Elwood’s hopeful idealism. Their bond becomes a refuge and a testament to friendship’s ability to endure even in the darkest of places.

The nonlinear narrative fragments time and memory, mirroring the lingering impact of trauma. Throughout the story, a quiet and reflective figure, played by Daveed Diggs, emerges in fleeting but significant moments. Often seen from behind or at a distance, his presence builds intrigue as he uncovers the hidden truths of Nickel Academy. These glimpses create an emotional bridge between the boys’ experiences and the story’s broader themes of accountability and justice. Diggs’ character provides a grounding presence, reminding the audience of the enduring impact of the past on the present.

Cinematographer Jomo Fray’s lens deepens the impact of Nickel Boys, using dynamic framing to capture the small, telling details that define the boys’ world. His camera mirrors the characters’ emotional states, fluid during chaos and steady during quieter moments. Fray’s empathetic approach lingers on subtle gestures and quiet connections, humanizing Elwood and Turner and making their struggles feel deeply personal.

The performances in Nickel Boys are as layered as its themes. Ethan Herisse embodies Elwood’s idealism and quiet strength, while Brandon Wilson’s Turner offers a pragmatic contrast that adds complexity to their friendship. Together, they craft a dynamic that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor shines as Hattie, Elwood’s grandmother and moral anchor, whose resilience reflects the sacrifices of a generation. Meanwhile, Hamish Linklater, the headmaster of Nickel Academy, is a chilling embodiment of systemic cruelty. However, both Hattie and Linklater feel underutilized, leaving their potential impact on the narrative unfulfilled. Even so, their presence highlights the opposing forces of love and oppression that shape Elwood’s journey.

The emotional connection is often restrained, reflecting Ross’s deliberate choice to avoid explicit depictions of trauma. Instead, he relies on subtlety, allowing the weight of the story to emerge through implication and subtext. This layered approach, combined with the fragmented structure, demands active engagement, making Nickel Boys a story that lingers long after its final frame, growing in resonance with each viewing.

Ross’ adaptation transcends the boundaries of a typical historical drama, transforming Nickel Boys into a meditation on memory, resilience, and the fight for justice. It challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while honoring the humanity of those whose stories have too often been silenced. With its cinematic visuals, unique perspective, and affecting performances, this adaptation stands as one of the year’s most compelling works and a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate and provoke.

★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5

Editor’s Note: This review was originally published during the 2024 New York Film Festival. Nickel Boys is out in select theaters now.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Orion Pictures