Mud

Writer-director Jeff Nichols has fashioned a sweet, subtle coming-of-age story set in a southern Arkansas delta. When two intrepid yet innocent 14-year-olds—Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland)—discover that the force of the latest flood has left a boat lodged high in a tree on a deserted island, the pair are ecstatic, until they find that it's already been claimed by a wily, silver-tongued squatter with a snake tattoo coiled down his arm. The man is a fugitive named Mud (Matthew McConaughey), who cleverly cajoles the boys into helping him repair the damaged vessel for a getaway down the Mississippi River with his beloved girlfriend, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon)—who he says will be joining him—even as vengeful bounty hunters are in hot pursuit. Since his squabbling parents (Sarah Paulson, Ray McKinnon) are contemplating divorce, Ellis is emotionally vulnerable to Mud's far-fetched stories about true love, especially since Ellis has developed a crush on an older high-school girl (Bonnie Sturdivant) who barely notices him. And Neckbone has been an orphan for years, raised by his oyster-diving uncle (Michael Shannon). Mud is an engaging, endearing escapade of a film that traces its heartwarming antecedents to Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Jeff Nichols, and the behind-the-scenes featurettes “A Very Personal Tale” (12 min.), “The Arkansas Ensemble” (7 min.), “Southern Authenticity” on location (6 min.), and “The Snake Pit” on featured creatures (2 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine coming-of-age film.] (S. Granger)