Director: Jeff Nichols
Year Released: 2012
Rating: 3.0
Two Arkansas boys (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland, both superb) come across a drifter nicknamed Mud (Matthew McConaughey) - who's hiding from the law (and hired guns) after he killed one of his girlfriend's (Reese Witherspoon) lovers - and decide to help him get supplies and fix up a broken-down boat so he can escape. The first half is very solid, with the boys naturally fascinated by lovesick raconteur Mud and willing to help out their bizarre new friend (McConaughey's natural charisma helps tremendously) - the second half, unfortunately, turns into a series of contrivances and ever-so-neatly tied up problems (which, in real life, would never be so simple). Nichols assembles an outstanding cast (Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon and Sarah Paulson are strong in supporting roles), but there is a trace of misogyny in this that puts a damper on things: the female characters (including Bonnie Sturdivant's 'girlfriend' character) are fickle and manipulative, designed to drive men wild with anger and irrational behavior. There is a notable nugget of advice in this: know which people are worth chasing after and which ones should be left aside.
