Mud

Set in the backwoods of a Mississippi River town, “Mud” explores a variety of issues including friendship, lost love and disturbing truths.

Matthew McConaughey (“Magic Mike”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”) gives one of the strongest performances of his career as the title character. Hiding out on an island in the middle of the Mississipi, Mud is discovered by best friends Ellis (the incredible Tye Sheriden) and Neckbone.  Cautiously the boys befriend him before finding out the crushing reality of why he is hiding out supposedly waiting for his self-proclaimed true love Juniper (played by the incomparable Reese Witherspoon).

The film intertwines the airy idealism of love conquering all before melding into the harsh truth of the real world. It’s heartwarming and surprisingly upbeat despite the consequences of some brutal actions endured by Mud and the posse tracking him down to exact revenge. 

Through it all, “Mud” shows the better, moralistic side of life. McConaughey plays a character that believes in love and respect. Although this belief is evident in his actions, the extremism in which they are portrayed suggests a broken man who only wanted to be with the woman he loves. After this ideal is shattered and the reality is suddenly clear to him, Mud begins the lovable act of protecting his new friends, at any cost. This comes at a risk to him and the boys, but through it all the friendship endures and almost makes this film an adaptation of “Stand by Me” or “A River Runs Through It”.

With outstanding performances by all involved, “Mud” shows a peaceful portrayal of a gritty world. It takes note of imperfect characters, showing all sides no matter how damaged. And the acceptance of these characters by the audience is a true testament to the film’s tragic quality.