Every week, Kristopher Pollard from Milwaukee Film and Radio Milwaukee’s Dori Zori talk about movies — because that’s what you do when you’re Cinebuds.
With some movies, you don’t want to know what you’re in for. Processing the unexpected is part of the experience, whether it’s a great twist (The Usual Suspects). or a jaw-dropping comedic element (Something About Mary). Other films absolutely require some form of preparation. Nickel Boys is one of those.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, Nickel Boys — as the synopsis states — “chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.” What the synopsis doesn’t say is how wrecked the movie will leave you.
As Dori and Kpolly make very clear in this episode, the devastation is worth it based on the care and creativity poured into this film by all involved. It starts with director RaMell Ross, whose background as a photographer shines through in every frame (and yet somehow didn’t lead to an Academy Award nomination for cinematography). The symbolism is heavy, the imagery is vivid, and the undoubtedly time-consuming camera work is worth every moment.
The thoughtfulness extends to the performances, led by Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, and even the sound design. It’s a holistic approach that yielded outstanding results (the Academy at least got that one right, nominating it for Best Picture).
Hear what Dori and Kpolly have to say about the film by using the player at the top of the page or finding Cinebuds wherever you do your podcast-listening.
