Rated R, 140 minutes
Directed by RaMell Ross, 2024, United States

Nickel Boys is a historical drama based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Set in 1960s Florida, the film follows Elwood Curtis, a young African American unjustly sent to the Nickel Academy, a segregated reform school notorious for its abusive practices. There, Elwood forms a profound friendship with fellow inmate Turner as they navigate the institution's systemic racism and brutality. The narrative alternates between their harrowing experiences at Nickel and Elwood's later life, exploring themes of resilience, injustice, and the enduring impact of friendship amidst adversity. The film employs a unique first-person point-of-view cinematography, immersing viewers directly into the protagonists' perspectives. Premiering at the 51st Telluride Film Festival, Nickel Boys has been lauded for its compelling storytelling and innovative visual approach.