Once again, we chose a movie with a strong script, good direction and a cast that did justice to all the aforementioned. (Sometimes you get on a roll--either good or bad).
Tye Sheridan as Ellis, a fourteen-year-old with enormous courage and will, fairly sole the film from the more seasoned actors. Jacob Lofland as Ellis' best friend and sidekick, "Neckbone" also held his own and both ended up endearing themselves to both my husband and I.
Matthew McConaughey went to a place that diverted far to the left of his pretty-boy image. It was a welcome relief. Reese Witherspoon was also willing to appear far less put-together than she usually is. Sam Shepard serves as Mud's father figure, and he does so with his usual grace.
This is a film that examines the ideas of what the world becomes when we are raised knowing one way of believing, and what happens when all of those beliefs get questioned.
Maybe most of us will never have to have our world view expanded the way Ellis and Mud do, but if we must, I can only hope we have such wise hands to guide us back to perspective. May we all trust that it is okay to love again.
