RaMell Ross, in collaboration with Joslyn Barnes, has crafted a cinematic interpretation that thoughtfully converses with its source material. This adaptation skillfully employs a unique stylistic choice—shooting predominantly from a character’s perspective. While Nickel Boys provokes deep contemplation, I harbor some reservations that linger. One question plays on my mind: how would my perception of the film differ had I viewed it without prior knowledge of the book?
An Ambitious Narrative Technique in Nickel Boys
Maintaining Truthfulness in Fiction
Similar to its literary counterpart, Nickel Boys is a blend of fiction and stark reality. While Nickel Academy—a Florida reform school depicted in the film—never existed, it draws inspiration from the infamous Dozier School for Boys and its tragic legacy of abuse. The film captures this gravitas, maintaining an awareness of its roots, even for those unfamiliar with the backstory. This connection may be what positions Ross, a documentarian, as especially qualified to tackle such impactful material.
Rather than mere documentation, the film embodies impressionistic storytelling. Nickel Boys unfolds in three distinct acts, mainly presented through a character’s perspective. The narrative begins in 1950s and 1960s Tallahassee, following Elwood Curtis (portrayed by Ethan Cole Sharp as a child and Ethan Herisse as a teenager). The audience briefly glimpses his life as a Black child during the Jim Crow era, seeing the absence of his parents, who he is raised by his grandmother, Hattie (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor).
In a departure from traditional filmmaking, where the camera often assumes an omniscient presence, Ross deliberately focuses on specific viewpoints, immersing the audience in Elwood’s experiences. Elwood, characterized by his brightness and curiosity, is encouraged by his teacher, Mr. Hill (Jimmie Fails), a former Freedom Rider. Mr. Hill urges Elwood to enroll in classes at a newly established Black college for high-achieving students. Yet, on his first day, Elwood inadvertently finds himself in a stolen car, leading him to Nickel Academy.
At Nickel, he meets Turner (Brandon Wilson), marking the expansion of our narrative lens. Turner’s charismatic, street-smart demeanor contrasts sharply with Elwood’s yearning for justice, presenting a philosophical clash; Turner believes that life in Nickel is no different from the outside world—people are simply more candid about their cruelty there.
As the film progresses, glimpses of Elwood’s adult life (portrayed by Daveed Diggs) are interwoven within the narrative. These moments depict a man who, despite having escaped the physical confines of Nickel, remains haunted by its enduring shadow. The perspective shifts from point-of-view to a subtle observation, placing us in the position of a companion following Elwood closely yet distantly.
The Impact of Visual Style in Nickel Boys
Masterfully Subverting Visual Narratives
The visual narrative devised by Ross is strikingly poignant. In Colson Whitehead’s original novel, characters exist in a rich tapestry of experience, inaccessible to them yet visible to readers. While we primarily focus on Elwood and Turner’s journeys, the film succinctly captures the vast historical context of their individual experiences without overwhelming the audience.
This is achieved by constraining our viewpoint instead of broadening it, forging an intimate connection with the characters’ lives while hinting at the multitude of untold narratives surrounding them. Rather than presenting a sweeping context, the film offers potent ellipses, prompting audiences to fill in historical gaps through imagination.
Ross’s approach allows for compelling subversions of traditional storytelling. The film employs surreal imagery intertwined with dreams and archival footage that encourages varied interpretations. Notably, a particularly harrowing act of violence leaves a lasting impact, serving as one of the standout moments in recent cinema.
Interestingly, I found parallels between Nickel Boys and last year’s The Zone of Interest, despite their contrasting aesthetic choices. Both films rely heavily on their respective structures to convey thematic depth—until they don’t. Key moments disrupt formal barriers, flooding in emotional resonance and perspectives, suggesting that past and present should not remain segregated.
An Aesthetic Strategy That Sparks Contention
A Daring Adaptational Choice that Misses the Novel’s Essence
The deviations from point-of-view filmmaking were, paradoxically, the most emotionally resonant moments for me, highlighting my discontent with Nickel Boys. This stylistic choice comes off as more alienating than immersive. While there can be value in creating distance from the narrative, I found myself over-analyzing formal choices rather than engaging with the story’s substance.
The true brilliance of the source material lies in its ability to simultaneously cater to emotionally engaged readers and politically aware audiences.
At times, Ross draws attention to the act of perception itself, imposing an unnecessary contortion on the narrative framework. In a pivotal scene where Elwood and Turner first converse, the steady, unwavering gaze of the camera felt artificial, especially during a moment that should capture authenticity. While strong acting decisions are present, they often reveal the underlying artifice inherent in this style.
Had I approached the film without prior knowledge of the novel, I might have reacted differently; however, familiarity with the source material shaped my perspective. The original narrative adeptly balances emotional resonance with political consciousness. While some moments in the film allow for Ellis-Taylor’s exceptional performance to shine, they stand out due to their rarity.
Nickel Boys is a cinematic piece worthy of extensive analysis, capable of supporting numerous reviews and critiques. Even with my mixed feelings, I cannot disregard it as one of the year’s most significant films. I encourage all to view it when possible, even as I lament the aspects lost in its adaptation from written word to screen.
Mark your calendars: Nickel Boys premieres in select theaters in New York City on December 13 and in Los Angeles on December 20, with an anticipated wide release in early January. The film runs for 140 minutes and carries a PG-13 rating for its thematic content addressing racism, strong language, instances of violence, and smoking.
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