The Mississippi River connects several states, cities and groups of people together like a vital artery. Anything (or anyone) can flow down it — good or bad — and sometimes, that person is Matthew McConaughey. With subtle inspirations from Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn,” the film “Mud” blends Southern culture with ageless themes. Although McConaughey’s character continues to pursue his self-delusional relationship with an old flame, he joins up with two 14-year-old boys for an adventure of handshakes and heartbreaks on the Mississippi.
McConaughey plays the fugitive title character, Mud, in director Jeff Nichols’ third film as the unlikely hero of love and inspiration. Mud is the man who returns to risk his life to rescue his longtime lover Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) and acts as a reminder to two wayward boys that true love does exist. What gives Mud’s character his mettle are the confidantes on his return to Arkansas — two boys who happen to find Mud hiding out in a ship that has been suspended in the foliage due to a flood years ago. Although the film is named after Mud, the coming-of-age story focuses on Ellis (Tye Sheridan, “The Tree of Life”) and his best friend Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). The town of DeWitt, Arkansas has painted Mud as a runaway murderer, but to the adolescent boys, he embodies love, much of which has been discouraged in their lives due to their respective situations.
Ellis realizes that having a girlfriend comes with its own set of problems. From starting fistfights and dealing with the anxiety of unreturned calls, Ellis is exposed to the ups and downs of heartbreak. He is also overcome with the news that his parents have fallen out of love and are en route to divorce and, in turn, the separation of Ellis from his home — the Mississippi. Neckbone lives with his pearl-scavenging uncle and doesn’t have an ideal role model for love.
Whereas the film excels in cinematography (it has the beautiful and natural backdrop of the South and offers an organic portrayal of it), the takeaway memory from the film becomes its overarching theme of love. Sheridan’s earnest performance as Ellis reminds viewers that love, be it from a first romantic relationship or from friendship, is a strong bond and can be found if you look in the right places. Mud himself is reminded of the sacrifices love sometimes requires as he must give up his own safety in exchange for Ellis’. The theme and simplicity of love is tacitly stated after Ellis takes a punch for Juniper. When asked why he put himself in this situation, Ellis simply says, “Because you love each other.”
The script plays itself out like the Mississippi — clear, coherent and void of inconsistencies in plot and story. The writing is woven with humorous and memorable lines. The setting lends itself to a handful of minor characters who may not get that much screen time but are able to either advance or elaborate on the story in their own way. The film is well-paced and expounds on each character’s own history and provides growth and explicit change. The characters, especially Mud and Ellis, feel real and relatable. Although Sheridan has only one prior movie under his belt and Lofland has none, their performances are commendable for fledgling careers. Likewise, McConaughey is able to turn his previously typecast career into one that provides depth and allows him to flex his acting muscles. What turns “Mud” from a good film into a great film is its simplicity and originality, creating a refreshing piece of art. (A-)
