Movies

Why Every Black Man Needs to Watch Nickel Boys: A Must-See Film Experience!

BBG News

Instead of just one category in entertainment for Black people, there are typically either comedies that depict our experiences or intense dramas focusing on mistreatment and unjust practices.

Many films in this category often fall under the genres of social justice narratives and slave dramas. Occasionally, we encounter movies that provide a sense of fulfillment by portraying Black characters resisting and surviving, such as “Django Unchained” or the more recent “Sinners”. Both are among my favorite films.

Typically, we don’t encounter stories with what I’ll refer to as “cathartic” endings often. Instead, we’re more accustomed to the grittier, realistic outcomes. This is exactly what you get with “The Nickel Boys,” a recent film adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Although it falls under the “hard-to-watch” category, I believe everyone should give it a watch for the following reasons.

This Is The Only Movie I’ve Ever Watched Where The Viewer Is Forced Into The POV Of A Black Person

It may be tough for some people who aren’t Black to accept this, but living as a Black person is not simple. Many factors come together to make life complicated, and it’s important to note that not all these challenges are self-created. Sometimes, it can be hard for filmmakers to accurately portray the intricate reasons behind why being Black can be so difficult at times.

It’s fortunate where I reside as issues rarely arise for me, about nine times out of ten. In most instances, I hardly notice my racial identity and can simply live life. But there are those occasional moments, once in a while, when it’s unmistakable that I am Black, and I feel extremely uneasy. You know, sometimes I receive looks or even encounter situations like people crossing the street when they spot me approaching.

At times, I encounter a puzzled expression on people’s faces, as if questioning my presence. It’s important to note that this isn’t an experience I’ve had predominantly with white individuals. In fact, based on my personal experiences (as previously mentioned, I’ve been fortunate), it’s more often members of other racial groups who have given me this look.

I’m mentioning these points because it can be challenging to grasp them unless you’ve lived through them. The movie “Nickel Boys” is unique in my mind, as it places the audience in a Black character’s perspective. In essence, regardless of their intent, viewers will inevitably encounter and empathize with the prejudiced glances that I’ve personally endured on rare occasions (and I suspect many other Black individuals have faced more frequently than I).

This filmmaking is incredibly bold, much like what my colleague, Alexandra Ramos, referred to in her article as her top pick from last year – a “criminally overlooked” movie, which could very well be my personal favorite among those nominated last year.

The Filmmaking Technique Is Probably Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Seen, And It Comes From A Visionary Black Filmmaker

I’m all for promoting Black filmmakers! Whether it’s Nia DaCosta, Steve McQueen, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Antoine Fuqua, or any other talented Black director making great films, I’ll be singing their praises day in and day out. If you’re a Black filmmaker creating good movies, then consider me your loudspeaker on the rooftops!

Today, filmmakers such as Jordan Peele (who left a lasting impression with his movie “Get Out”), Spike Lee, and Ryan Coogler have become so widely recognized that they don’t require further promotion. However, there are others who could still benefit from additional exposure, and RaMell Ross is one of those rising talents.

In my perspective, “Nickel Boys” marked my debut in feature-length scripted films, having previously delved into documentary filmmaking with works like “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” and the short film “Easter Snap.” Though it’s garnered significant critical acclaim, the movie remains somewhat under-the-radar, making it a hidden yet profound masterpiece.

To be honest, I longed to catch the movie last year in cinemas, but it seemed nowhere near my local screens. It wasn’t until it dropped on Amazon Prime that I finally got a chance to watch it after all the buzz. Let me tell you, everything I heard about it was spot-on – it’s absolutely fantastic!

Additionally, using a first-person perspective significantly enhances the narrative. It’s not just a stylistic choice that quickly becomes tiresome; rather, it’s a dedicated effort to portray the tale from the viewpoints of two African American protagonists. This innovative filmmaking, from a budding Black director, is a must-see for everyone. I believe this remarkable movie is absolutely worth watching. Truly, it’s that impressive.

The Movie Handles A Specific Event In History That You Likely Aren’t Familiar With

A number of films explore the turbulent 1960s through a Black perspective. For instance, there’s the more recent film titled “Rustin“, an outstanding portrayal of the Civil Rights era, as well as “Judas and the Black Messiah“, focusing on the betrayal of Fred Hampton. Not forgetting “Malcolm X“, starring Denzel Washington, and various films centered around Dr. King.

Contrarily, the majority of films depicting the ’60s focus on notable Black figures from history books. Few narrate the stories of ordinary individuals experiencing hardship, yet that’s what “Nickel Boys” does differently.

Based on a true-life institution in Florida called the Dozier School for Boys, this narrative centers around two boys, Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), who find themselves too juvenile for adult incarceration. Instead, they’re sent to Nickel Academy, a racially divided reformatory school where Black youths often suffer physical abuse, mistreatment, and potentially sexual assault.

Elwood found himself with a bright future stretching out before him, yet a fateful choice of vehicle led to accusations of involvement in a crime, and an unjust imprisonment at Nickel. Throughout the narrative, he forges a connection with Turner, both recognizing the unfairness of their predicament. However, to preserve the surprise, I won’t disclose what happens next; instead, I encourage you to watch this film and discover it for yourself.

However, discovering details about what seems like a dreadful reform school is truly captivating, given that I hadn’t known about it prior, and I suspect many others are in the same boat. Interestingly, most people might only be aware of it if they’ve read the book where it serves as a central theme… Now, let me tell you more about it!

The Film Will Hopefully Get People Interested In Other Colson Whitehead Stories

I have a strong affection for reading. Interestingly, I find myself engrossed in many more books compared to the number of movies I watch, which might come across as surprising given that I do enjoy watching quite a few films.

Whenever I get the chance to transform TopMob into LiteraryBlend, I don’t hesitate. This happened when I wrote about movies that some might argue are superior to their source books, or when I ranked every book in the Dark Tower series. If there’s a great book out there, I’m eager to read it. After watching Nickel Boys, I’m definitely going to read the book it was based on.

I firmly believe that Colson Whitehead is an exceptional author. I’ve previously read his other Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Underground Railroad,” which left me astonished and disturbed. Ever since it was published in 2021, I’ve been eager to dive into “Harlem Shuffle,” a book that has remained on my “Want to Read” list in Goodreads.

On the contrary, I believe I need to move reading that book even later in my schedule as I’m eager to dive into “The Nickel Boys” immediately following this gripping film, and I suspect many others will feel the same way after seeing the movie.

Another strong argument for watching this movie is that it has the potential to make everyone a fan of Colson Whitehead, just as I am. Since I’m a writer myself, I can’t help but be especially enthusiastic about promoting Black novelists like him!

Have you seen Nickel Boys yet? If so, I’d love to hear what you thought about the film.

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2025-05-30 18:08

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