Early speculation about films for 2024 frequently highlighted an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-prize-winning novel, The Nickel Boys, purely based on the source material’s notoriety. Few film critics, however, could have known then that Ramell Ross’ adaptation, Nickel Boys, would be so bold in its aesthetic choices. Ross reconfigures conventional film continuity to create what he calls a “sentient POV,” in which the camerawork reflects a sensory experience, as if the camera were a person. This radical, experimental style, deeply rooted in ideological resistance, has dazzled some critics while putting off others. It also seems to have had an impact on the Academy, which nominated the film in two categories.

In this episode, P.T., Antonio, and I share our viewing experiences and try to unpack Ross’ choices. To what extent are they a subversion of the white colonial gaze that cannot be disentangled from classical Hollywood cinema? How did the cinematography fit the themes of the story? How did it help deliver key plot points? And why might book readers like Greg be a little cooler on the film? Come for the answers and stay for an inspirational story from Antonio’s legal writing class.

We go into SPOILER MODE at the 29:17 minute mark. If you are still undecided as to whether or not you want to serve your sentence with this film, you can listen safely until then.

Image Credit: New York Times

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