An unwritten rule of cinema is that great books very rarely make great movies. Not every film adaptation of a literary classic turns out poorly, but many do. Examples include Roland Joffe's version of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Brian De Palma's Bonfire of the Vanities, and Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones, which illustrate the tough road of translating a great novel into film. While some adaptations succeed, a strong connection to the source material is often elusive.
RaMell Ross's astonishing Nickel Boys stands as a testament to what can be achieved when filmmakers respect the foundational elements of a literary work. Adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer-winning novel, the film excels in capturing the spirit and structure of the book while introducing a visually groundbreaking cinematic experience. This adaptation elevates its source material into a sublime piece of filmmaking, and presents an earnest narrative that resonates deeply with audiences, showcasing the power of loyalty, resilience, and hope.
The central character, Elwood, is an African American teenager navigating a racially divided Tallahassee, Florida in the 1960s. Raised by his loving grandmother, he is set for a bright academic future, having been accepted into a college program. His journey quickly turns tragic as he makes a fateful decision to accept a ride from a car driven by a well-dressed man, which leads him into a disastrous encounter that alters the trajectory of his young life.
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