Mud
Dir: Jeff Nichols
2012
****
Mud is director Jeff Nichols's love letter to Arkansas/Mississippi, the place of his birth and to stories of adventure that young boys enjoy, most notably Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Certain elements of the story are uncertain and ultimately unimportant. Much like in the brilliant Take Shelter, Nichols's previous film, it's the mood, the spirit of the film that is important and where the film succeeds. Matthew McConaughey's return to greatness is evident in his performance and there is welcome and impressive supporting performances by the very talented Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson , Ray McKinnon , Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon and Joe Don Baker. Most impressive is probably the young talent on show. Both Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland should have successful careers ahead of them. With this only being Nichols third feature film, it's hard not to see him as a future great.