Mud (2012)

It is a long time since I have seen a coming-of-age movie. Watching Mud reminded me that when done well, this genre produces some of the most endearing films.

Mud is part adventure, part thriller, mostly drama. We follow two strong-willed adolescents over a few days, absorbing their interactions with adults and peers. We wait to see how these experiences may or may not mould their characters.

Mud stars a cast of top-notch prominent actors headed by the wonderful Matthew McConaughey. Starring alongside McConaughey are two (at the time of filming) 15 year old boys, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. Lofland is a newcomer selected from auditions in Arkansas, where the film is set. Sheridan has already gotten his hands dirty with The Tree of Life (2011).

Strong actors are not enough, of course. Writer/director Jeff Nichols’ follow-up to the brilliant Take Shelter (2011) immerses us in another world where we follow the story intently, caring about the outcome for the protagonists.

Strongly recommended.

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You can find more information on this U.S. production on Wikipedia and IMDb.

As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching trailers. I’ve just watched this trailer and, hell, I know they need to market the film… but do they really have to give so much away! This trailer robs the viewer of almost all the surprises. Don’t watch it.

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Title: Mud

Language: English

Direction: Jeff Nichols

Screenplay: Jeff Nichols

Cinematography: Adam Stone

Editing: Julie Monroe

Score: David Wingo

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, Paul Sparks, Joe Don Baker

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Full Acting Cast and Roles

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