Review of Mud (2013) by Matthew C — 27 Dec 2013

What to say about Mud... hm. Well, Matt McConaughey is great. The film presents a simple premise of a lone wolf type, Mud, trying to get his one love back, June, played by Reese Witherspoon, who despite her flaws, I love Reese no matter what, she's beautiful and vulnerable.

Then there's the real heart of the story, two boys named Ellis and Neckbone, and it's Ellis who has to learn what real love is, where it comes from, and is it even possible. He searches for it everywhere, usually disappointed in who he puts his faith in.

He tries his own heart at love himself and it bites him good and hard. Nobody lives up to the simple notion that when people love each other, they actually love each other. Ellis and Neckbone's adventures lead them to find a boat and Mud living in it.

Mud's sketchy but somewhat noble background slowly comes forth and Ellis attaches himself to Mud, helping him get the boat into the water so he can meet June and sail into the sunset. But Mud's past is encircling him like vultures, closing in.

Ellis' own family is falling apart and the world continues to grow bleaker as Ellis starts to grow up in a matter of days. I liked the tone and pace of the movie. Jeff Nichols, writer and director, understands what he's doing and I wouldn't be surprised if most if not all of this story is derived from lifetimes of personal tragedy and growth.

It's one of those movies, that though it's set far from most people watching it, it feels next door and every theme is more than familiar. it starts off slow, but stays focused on a boy running away to find something worth fighting for, since home is failing him, and a man trying to keep running without confronting the truth.

Worth everyone's time.