Mud Review
A man that just won’t go away, Matthew McConaughey is back again after the quick release succession of Paperboy and Bernie. Here again the actor puts in a terrific performance, but much like the previous films, it’s a role that is more support, despite his character being the titular name.
Instead we mainly follow the pursuits of young Ellis (played by a terrific Tye Sheridan) lives with estranged parents on a river boat. The film starts as he skips out of the home and along with a friend go to investigate a boat in a tree only to find the titular Mud living there and hiding from the law.
With a little help and regular visits, Mud’s back story starts to thicken as they boys find out that despite his cool, yet bargaining, nature, Mud is also in a bit of relationship trouble.
Looked at as some sort of thriller/mystery only brings out the shortcomings of the film. Throw into the mix a gang of gun-toting revenge seekers and it all starts to become a bit daft. But looking at the film through the eyes of Ellis (Which thankfully the large part of the narrative does) and the film’s strength brim to the surface. This is much more a story about relationships, break ups and more importantly heartbreak and dealing with that heartbreak. An outstanding cast keep the drama afloat in one of this year’s more curious drama.
Steven Hurst