Content warning: child abuse, sexual assault, tortureElwood (Ethan Herisse) was on his way to early admission at college when he is arrested for being a passenger in a stolen car. He is sent to Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile detention facility where he is abused and forced to do hard labor. Elwood never loses his sense of justice, keeping a careful record of the transgressions, despite warnings from his only friend inside, Turner (Brandon Wilson). When the facility undergoes an inspection, Elwood sees his chance to drag the Academy's sins into the light.
The camera switches between first-person POV of both boys. It's neat enough. There aren't any moments of confusion between the two, but it felt a little gimmicky. Also, I cannot stress how much I hate shaky cam. I can only assume the book is better at conveying the two different perspectives.
Herisse and Wilson should both have incredible careers. I hope they get more opportunities to shine, like they do here. Of all the Best Picture nominees, Nickel Boys most deserves the win but I doubt it will. The Academy is still too racist to pick something this raw and unflinching. Adapted Screenplay is fast becoming the "Good But Too Black" category and I find that frustrating.
Nickel Boys is currently only available to rent or buy. It might still be playing in some theaters. It's not my favorite, but it's still definitely worth watching.
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