A fresh take on a classic genre: ‘Nickel Boys’ reimagines the boarding school narrative
A new vision for a familiar story
From the haunting corridors of “Boy A” to the rebellious spirit of “Zero for Conduct,” films set in broken boarding schools and juvenile reformatory centers have long captured our imaginations. With ”Nickel Boys,” director RaMell Ross breathes new life into this well-trodden genre, transforming a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel into a minimalist tone poem. The original book by Colson Whitehead is a masterpiece, but much of its content has been seen before on screen. Ross, however, strips away the excess, focusing on evocative imagery to tell the story of Elwood, a Tallahassee teen who is more than just a victim of the system.
Immersive storytelling
Ross doesn’t just narrate Elwood’s story; he immerses us in it. The film alternates between the 1960s and the early 2000s, creating a tapestry of memories and experiences. For those unfamiliar with Whitehead’s novel, this unconventional approach might be challenging. Yet, it invites viewers to look beyond the plot and engage with Elwood’s world on a deeper level. The first hour of “Nickel Boys” feels like a groundbreaking narrative debut, reminiscent of “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” However, a bold experiment in the latter half doesn’t quite land, causing the film to falter.
A unique cinematic style
Building on the promise of his Oscar-nominated essay-doc “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” Ross presents “Nickel Boys” through a series of first-person impressions. These are evocative sense memories from Elwood’s childhood, education, and activism, all crushed but not extinguished by unjust incarceration. The film adopts a style similar to Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life,” fostering empathy by placing us in Elwood’s shoes. We see the world through his eyes, feel the weight of others’ gazes, and learn when to avert our own.
The power of perspective
Elwood’s journey is marked by moments of potential and limitation. His teacher, Mr. Hill, sees promise in him, giving him a pamphlet for Melvin Griggs College and a record of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. Yet, society in 1960s Florida is determined to teach him otherwise. Despite the systemic oppression, Elwood clings to MLK’s words about turning “the capacity to suffer” into a weapon against injustice.
In a poignant early scene, Elwood sits at the kitchen table while his grandmother prepares a meal. His gaze drifts to a brochure on the fridge, symbolizing the fleeting opportunities in his life. Elwood’s path to Melvin Griggs is derailed when he gets into a stolen car, leading to his incarceration at Nickel Academy.
The harsh reality of Nickel Academy
At Nickel Academy, Elwood initially believes he can continue his education. However, the institution is a segregated penal system where boys are exploited for labor. Inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys, Whitehead’s novel exposes the abuse and deaths that occurred there. Ross, however, chooses not to dwell on these horrors, focusing instead on the emotional and psychological impact on Elwood.
A shift in perspective
Once Elwood reaches Nickel Academy, he finds a reflection of himself in Turner, a lighter-skinned boy his age. Ross replays scenes from Turner’s perspective, allowing us to see Elwood through his friend’s eyes. This shift solves one of the film’s limitations: the need to see the human face. While Ross initially deprives us of this, the addition of Turner’s perspective allows us to study Elwood’s expressions, though they remain inscrutable.
The complexity of emotion
Elwood’s poker face hides his idealism, a key aspect of his character in the book. While actors often invite us into their characters’ minds, Herisse’s portrayal of Elwood is more reserved. Ross’s radical approach to cinematic grammar serves a purpose, though revealing it here would spoil the twist. Suffice to say, the future is not what it seems, and Ross has reasons for keeping the film’s biggest star, Daveed Diggs, hidden.
A fragmented narrative
Like “Moonlight,” Whitehead’s novel is divided into three distinct periods. Ross’s adaptation, however, unravels as it shifts between multiple perspectives and timelines. The film gets lost in digressions, from archival footage of NASA missions to forensic excavations at Nickel Academy. While the boys’ fate can be seen as tragic, the film suggests a form of transference. Despite the hardships, the students learned something valuable.
Explore more
For those intrigued by “Nickel Boys,” you can watch the trailer and find more information here.
This article aims to provide a fresh perspective on “Nickel Boys,” offering insights and reflections for cinema enthusiasts. By focusing on the film’s unique approach and emotional depth, it invites readers to engage with the story on a deeper level.