The film follows two young African American boys sent to a reform school called Nickel Academy during the Jim Crow era in the South. It depicts their experiences at Nickel and the systemic racism that shapes their lives. The story is based on the 2019 novel by Colson Whitehead, and what makes the film truly special is its unique first-person perspective.
The Nickel Boys is shot entirely through the eyes of its protagonists, Elwood and Turner. The cinematography focuses on their sensory experiences, making us feel as if we’re living their lives alongside them. This technique is used consistently, immersing us in their reality. The only exceptions are old recordings and scenes set in the future, which are shot in a more traditional third-person, over-the-shoulder style. This approach is rare in filmmaking—I can only think of one or two movies that come close, but even they don’t quite match this aesthetic.
The film evokes a sense of memory, making the past feel vividly real. Even for those who never lived in that world, the experience is palpable. That said, the narrative itself is arguably the film’s weakest aspect. While it fits the style well and explores powerful themes, the plot is fairly conventional. However, the visual storytelling is what lingers in your mind far more than the script. The film almost limits its story to maintain a sense of realism. Elwood and Turner feel like real people, with their own interests and inner lives, making their struggles all the more affecting.
Nickel Academy itself feels lived-in, authentic, and distinct. The school is based on a real reform institution in Florida, and through excellent sound design and production choices, the film constantly envelops us in its world.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say The Nickel Boys feels like nothing you’ve ever seen, yet instinctively real—like the recreation of a faded memory brought to life. It’s a film that deserves to be experienced.
