Mud
Two Arkansas boys risk everything to help a fugitive reunite with his lover, discovering that real love is more complicated than legend.
Overview
A coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River, where friendship and love intertwine amidst danger.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- intimate
- wistful
- reflective evening
- quiet weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an engaging, psychologically acute Southern drama anchored by Matthew McConaughey's performance and Jeff Nichols's vivid sense of place.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ellis helps Mud reunite with Juniper while observing the breakdown of his parents' marriage and struggling with his own feelings for May Pearl.
The Arkansas river setting, superstitious fugitive, bounty hunters, family instability, and tactile local details create a distinctly southern gothic atmosphere.
Ellis and Neckbone interpret Mud's fugitive life and devotion to Juniper as a near-mythical romance before confronting its harsher reality.
Houseboats, the Mississippi River, the tree-suspended boat, oyster diving, motels, and muddy shorelines receive vivid physical attention.
Films like Mud, and why
The Tree of Life
shared coming-of-age perspective, rural American setting, childhood friendship, and emotionally grounded drama
Winter's Bone
shared southern gothic atmosphere, morally complicated outsiders, and intimate landscapes shaped by violence and family strain
Stand by Me
shared adolescent friendship, dangerous adult fugitives, and a wistful journey through a distinctive American landscape
Movie Details
- Director
- Jeff Nichols
- Release Date
- 2013-04-26
- Runtime
- 130 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (3159)
Cast
- Matthew McConaughey
- Reese Witherspoon
- Tye Sheridan
- Jacob Lofland
- Sam Shepard
- Ray McKinnon
- Sarah Paulson
- Michael Shannon
- Joe Don Baker
- Paul Sparks
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mud about?
- Two Arkansas boys risk everything to help a fugitive reunite with his lover, discovering that real love is more complicated than legend.
- What is Mud like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mud as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Mud violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Mud as moderate.
- What did critics think of Mud?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an engaging, psychologically acute Southern drama anchored by Matthew McConaughey's performance and Jeff Nichols's vivid sense of place.
- Which films are like Mud?
- Films with a similar feel include The Tree of Life, Winter's Bone, and Stand by Me.
- How long is Mud?
- Mud runs 130 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mud?
- In United States, Mud streams on Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
