Mud

An intelligent and incredibly mature film about people who think more about others than themselves. That the current redneck gang hates it, it’s just another proof of it. An excellent movie, and another superb work after Take Shelter. Standing ovation for Jeff Nichols, Matthew McConaughey and, in particular, the excellent child actors. (06/08/2013)

A movie with a heart. A beautiful story about friendship, love, fathers and sons. The message behind it that women are bitches, but still it’s worth fighting for the right to be like that couldn’t be clearer. The Hicksville USA atmosphere is engrossing and Matthew is convincing in the main role. He has grown incredibly as an actor. The boys are also superbly cast. One of the most powerful movie experiences of this year. (13/09/2013)

Each and every one of Matthew’s roles is unique. But there are certain moments that are constantly repeated. For example, swamps. Swamps just must be where Matt was born, because I can’t explain it any other way. Every movie has a swamp. Also, that Texan slang. I don’t know how that happened, but their speech denies all of the English grammar rules they taught me at school. However, despite all this, I enjoyed this movie for the entire 131 minutes. And I really wouldn’t expect it at all considering how simple it was. But what I liked most was how the creators combined the world of adults and the world of children. Those kids gave it such an interesting atmosphere that it assured me that I wasn’t watching a bad movie. As far as the ending goes, it repeats the third rule of Matt’s movies; once he’s acting, he has to be surrounded by a bunch of backwards hillbillies that would think that the word “Czechia” is an Arabian slur. The ending was completely over the top. Some headhunters are after Matt and so they kill everyone in some house, including two kids. Either I’m weird or America has crossed the threshold of humanity a long time ago. (13/04/2014)

Following Take Shelter, Jeff Nichols' next film again shows that it's made by someone who wants to create something meaningful. The escalation of events and tension here is absolutely stunning. The pace is slow, but there's always something happening, gradually revealing the cards of this boyish adventure. The scene where young Ellis saves Juniper from the man who is beating her is incredibly powerful. It literally takes your breath away. What if he hurts the boy?! The contrast in pace between the individual scenes is, for me, a great example of how storytelling can be masterfully handled. Additionally, it reaffirmed for me that the Southern accent is amazing, and Matthew McConaughey's is excellent. Equally impressive is the country music, which beautifully complements the scenes and is perfectly used for transitions. (06/01/2014)

A sensitive indie relationship drama, emotionally polished to the smallest detail. Nichols confirms that he knows how to tell these subtle, understated stories and that Take Shelter was no accident. The marketing gravitates to McConaughey, but the lead is a fantastic performance by Tye Sheridan. A story about right values, fateful decisions and growing up – Mud offers all this in an interesting filmmaking mix without unnecessary shaky effects or eye-candy shots. (16/07/2021)