Mud (2012)

"Writer-director Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter) continues his clean record of outstanding cinema with another southern tale dense in its display of romantic ideals, youthful ignorance, emotional transference and the wisdom contained in broken adults. Glorification is a key theme, with Nichols applying a similar lens to Southern America with eye-fluttering, sun-scorched photography from regular DOP Adam Stone and a tender soundtrack smooched by Dirty Three and David Wingo."

"Confidently expanding his inquiry into the essence of American masculinity, Nichols' latest pressure-cooker pastoral conjures a wily figure of endangered Southern chivalry."

"More accessible than Take Shelter but not as powerful, Mud boasts stunning photography, a mesmerising lead and a strong evocation of Americana. McConaughey’s gold run continues…"

"There's an argument to be made that there's a calculated degree of cliché to this sweet, Southern-fried fairytale, that Nichols is paying tribute here to his more mainstream inspirations."

"Mr. Nichols's voice is a distinctive and welcome presence in American film."

"A rich, sweet slice of Americana - although a little more contrived and sentimental than it promises to be at first."

"One of the most creatively rich and emotionally rewarding movies to come along this year."

"Nichols keeps getting better, but his masterpiece is (excitingly) still to come."

"Shot through with traditional qualities of American literature and drama."

"A bold, intelligent, 21st century take on Mark Twain - with added occult tendencies."