Review of Mud (2013) by Dylan C — 06 Oct 2018

An endearing drama.

Mud (2012) is one of my all time favorite films. Matthew McConaughey was on a career return to form after The Lincoln Lawyer (2011). He is heartfelt and dramatic in a very engaging way. I love the character of Mud and how is in a father figure to the main boy, Ellis, so wonderfully portrayed by a young Tye Sheridan. In essence, Mud is about fatherhood and that love that is required for successful parenting.

Reese Witherspoon gives her best acting to date in Mud as Mud's girlfriend Juniper. She is really sweet, but adds a certain depth and darkness to the character that makes her fascinating.

Sarah Paulson is so sweet and likable as Ellis' mother. Mud is a nice supporting role from her. Sam Shepard is excellent as Tom. His quiet seriousness is so telling as the grizzled veteran to death and fatherhood. Michael Shannon is quite funny and likable in his smaller role as Neckbone's guardian uncle. I even liked the boy Jacob Lofland as Neckbone. He is really funny with a nice sense of timing. Mud contains a wide array of great supporting roles.

The atmospheric score is hypnotic whenever it chimes in, but the long panning shot cinematography with the gorgeous natural setting is Mud's real beauty. Alongside director Jeff Nichols' highly original script and story, Mud shines in even its darkest moments. Focused direction and realistic drama culminate in a very special and unique movie.

Mud is dope!