Over two months after its theatrical debut, the acclaimed dramaNickel Boyssaw a major increase in its theatrical footprint after scoring a hugely coveted Best Picture nod at the Oscars.Nickel Boysis directed byRaMell Ross, and is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name byColson Whitehead. The movie had mostly been playing in very limited release until last weekend, when it was expanded by Amazon MGM Studios into over 500 locations. This resulted in a healthy increase in box office revenue, and helped the film pass a new domestic box office milestone.
Nickel Boysearned over $348,000this weekend,pushing its running domestic haul past the $1.5 million mark. Globally, the film is nearing the $2 million milestone.Nickel Boyspremiered at the Telluride Film Festival, where itearned positive reviews. It debuted in just two locations back in December, with its theater-count increasing to five in the following week, and to 18 a couple of weeks later. Last week, the film was playing in roughly 250 domestic locations. The film, and the book, is inspired by a reform school for Black children, which had a notorious reputation for abuse.
Produced ona reported budget of over $20 million,Nickel Boysis filmed from a first-person perspective. The movie starsEthan HerisseandBrandon Wilson, alongside a supporting cast filled with seasoned performers such asDaveed Diggs,Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, andHamish Linklater.Nickel Boysearned excellent reviews, and holds a “fresh” 90% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, where the critics' consensus reads, “Director RaMell Ross' stylistically radical approach to adapting Colson Whitehead’s searing novel will be jarring for some, butNickel Boys' sense of immersion achieves the jaw-dropping effect of walking in another’s shoes.”
‘Nickel Boys’ Earned Two Oscar Nods
In his review, Collider’sRoss Bonaimedescribed it as “easily one of the best films of 2024.” Previously, Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad” was adapted intoa sprawling seriesby the Oscar-winnerBarry Jenkins. Ross, on the other hand, was best known for having directed the Oscar-nominated documentary featureHale County This Morning, This Evening. He received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at the Oscars. You can watchNickel Boysin theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Nickel Boys
Set in Jim Crow-era Florida, two Black teens, Elwood Curtis and Turner, endure the brutal conditions of Nickel Academy, a reformatory for boys. While Turner teaches survival through cynicism, Elwood clings to his belief in justice, despite the horrors around them. Their friendship offers a glimmer of hope amidst a backdrop of systemic racism and violence.
