The film stars Matthew McConaughey as a charismatic drifter named Mud in a coming of age, life-on-the river tale which evokes the spirit of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Mud’s charm and braggadocio are seen through the perspective of a couple of 14 –year olds who discover him living in an abandoned boat nestled high in the branches of a tree, deposited there by a flood. The sensitive, soft spoken Ellis(a wonderful, Tye Sheridan) and his faithful, smart- ass friend named Neckbone(Jacob Lofland) are the two Arkansas teenagers. Mud needs their help first in securing food and later in fixing the boat and re-connecting with his bi-polar and flirtatious girlfriend (an intense ReeseWitherspoon).
The film also stars a staple of Jeff Nichols’s films—Michael Shannon, in a small, but significant role. The story has a powerful driving force of a blood feud and revenge which drive the narrative and keep you unsure how it will all play out. Photographed with meticulous craftsmanship by Adam Stone, the river becomes a character in this tale of love and its vicissitudes. With its natural performances and its sense of spontaneity, “Mud” is a small but surprising pleasure with all the original flavor of a classic motion picture. It is a must see for your viewing pleasure.