Mud (2012)

Two young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

Director:

Jeff Nichols

Writer:

Jeff Nichols

Stars:

Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland

15 wins & 39 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew McConaughey	...	Mud
Reese Witherspoon	...	Juniper
Tye Sheridan	...	Ellis
Jacob Lofland	...	Neckbone
Sam Shepard	...	Tom
Ray McKinnon	...	Senior
Sarah Paulson	...	Mary Lee
Michael Shannon	...	Galen
Joe Don Baker	...	King
Paul Sparks	...	Carver
Bonnie Sturdivant	...	May Pearl
Stuart Greer	...	Miller
John Ward Jr.	...	Galen's Helper
Kristy Barrington	...	Princess
Johnny Cheek	...	Kyle

Storyline

14 year-old Ellis (Tye Sheridan) lives on a makeshift houseboat on the banks of a river in Arkansas with his parents, Mary Lee (Sarah Paulson) and Senior (Ray McKinnon). He sneaks out early one morning to meet his best friend, Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). Neckbone, also 14, lives with his uncle, Galen (Michael Shannon), who makes a hardscrabble living diving for oysters. The two boys set out to an island on the Mississippi River, where Neckbone has discovered an unusual sight-a boat, suspended high in the trees, a remnant of an extreme flood some time in the past. They climb the tree and into the boat only to find fresh bread and fresh footprints. Realizing that they are not the only ones who have discovered the treehouse boat, they decide to leave. When they reach the shore, they find the same footprint in their boat. And that's when they meet Mud (Matthew McConaughey). Mud is a gritty, superstitious character; his clothes are dirty, his tooth is cracked, and he needs help. He tells the...

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Plot Keywords:

southern gothic | river | friendship between boys | character name as title | lionsgate | 

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Taglines:

Entangled in his past. Running from the law. All for love.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence, sexual references, language, thematic elements and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ellis's dad drives a brown Ford F-150, which also pops up in Midnight Special (also directed by Jeff Nichols)

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Goofs

When Ellis falls in the snake pit, a snake crawls around his throat. A frame later, from a different angle, the snake is gone.

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Quotes

Neckbone: I knew it. I told you that dirty son of a bitch was trouble. Did you tell them where he is?
Ellis: No, that's why I called you. He needs to know people are looking for him.
Neckbone: You think he doesn't know that already? Jesus, Ellis! Why do you even think he's on that island?
Neckbone: Ellis, I'm serious! We don't know who this guy is.
Ellis: He loves her, Neck. He told me.
Neckbone: I don't give a shit who he loves!

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Crazy Credits

Everest Entertainment donates a portion of its profits from each film to charity. By watching an Everest film you have made a difference. We thank you.

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Snake Scenes in Movies (2016)

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Soundtracks

Sunday Beer
Written by Corey Bacon, Alan Disaster, Matt Floyd & Jon Rice
Performed by Smoke Up Johnny
Courtesy of Thick Syrup Records

User Reviews

Exquisite Piece Of Filmmaking

An exquisite piece of filmmaking from writer-director Jeff Nichols, bolstered by powerful performances from Matthew McConaughey, Reece Witherspoon, Sam Shephard, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. 'Mud' is a beautifully shot film that blends crime, drama and romance into a heartfelt plot that follows two young boys who encounter a fugitive in need of their help. Set against some of the most unique and stunning locations ever used in a film, 'Mud' is reminiscent of flicks including 'Stand by Me' and 'Night of the Hunter'. Starting off relatively slow, the film steadily urges the viewer into a riveting tale of love, hate and redemption, with McConaughey giving one of his finest performances ever. A realistic and gripping coming-of-age tale that not only stands as being one of the best films of 2012, but one of the best dramas of the past decade.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mud

Filming Locations:

Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,215,891, 28 April 2013

Gross USA:

$21,590,086

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$32,613,173

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lionsgate, Everest Entertainment, Brace Cove Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1