With only a handful of films, writer/director Jeff Nichols has proved himself a filmmaking force to be reckoned with. Don’t miss out on his films while they are still conveniently available!
With only a handful of films, writer/director Jeff Nichols has proved himself a filmmaking force to be reckoned with. Don’t miss out on his films while they are still conveniently available!
Take Shelter is one of the most unique looks at mental illness in 2010s films. As a man tries to wrestle with his family’s history of schizophrenia, he cannot shake the feeling that an impending storm is coming, despite no evidence existing outside of his head. Michael Shannon imbues the main character with humanity and paranoia, maintaining the difficult balance while interacting with Jessica Chastain and Shea Whigham.
Mud is currently Nichols’ most well-received film with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. Led by Matthew McConaughey in the eponymous role, Mud features a fugitive enlisting two teenagers who stumble upon him to help him escape his pursuers after he allegedly killed someone in the next state over.
This sci-fi/fantasy feature is anchored by two storylines led by Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton. After Shannon’s character rescues his son from a cult drawn to the boy’s supernatural foresight, he is pursued by Edgerton’s character and a federal organization, believing the boy could be dangerous.
Loving is based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, who helped alter the legal stance on interracial couples in the United States. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga play the couple who fight back after facing prison time for their marriage.
Nichols' first film, Shotgun Stories, is not quite as readily available, but check out these other films while you can!