I was eager to love this film. Its innovative use of a first-person point of view in the cinematography intrigued me. The story also seemed to provoke many conversations and emotions, depicting the shared bond between two boys in an inhumane reform school.
However, the movie disappointed me in its execution.
After watching the movie, I understand the need for a first-person point of view in the narrative; however, it did not work as well as I had hoped. The way it is employed feels cold and detached, distancing us from the storyline instead of inviting us to engage with the characters.
Rather than immersing the audience in real-time actions, it aimed to be overly artistic and selective in its presentation. Many scenes feels like a random slideshow, forcing viewers to invest time and effort to connect the dots instead of engaging with the story and characters. Although important messages are present, how can one truly reflect on them when there is a constant need to question the narrative's reality rather than focusing on the intended messages?
That being said, there are many great scenes that I love, along with the fantastic performances. They depict the brutality and cruelty of an institution and society, as well as their impacts on both individuals and communities. Each person has their own perspective, even in the face of collective trauma. However, there are also unspoken bonds among them, leaving lasting scars in similar ways.
I particularly love the comparison between this reform school systematic cruelty and spaceship projects. The two seem entirely different; one focuses on the advancement of humanity, while the other highlights the primitive cruelty of human nature. However, they share a commonality: both require a generational effort to overcome challenges. It takes a leap of faith to keep pushing boundaries, regardless of the cost or duration involved.
Although the experimental aspects of Nickel Boys didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped, I still believe this is a significant story with important messages