What is Nickel Boys (2024) about? Everything to know

The Nickel Boys is a drama film directed by RaMell Ross that brings a powerful narrative to the big screen. It is set to release on December 13, 2024 (New York), with a limited theatrical debut in select cities. Based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, this powerful adaptation illuminates a dark chapter of history and promises an artistic storytelling experience of deep human emotions.

The Nickel Boys follows the story of two boys who have to face the tough life of a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story is about injustice, resilience, and hope, and the fight for humanity in a justice system designed to undermine. Nickel Boys is an exploration of systemic racism and the unyielding spirit of those who endure it.

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Plot of Nickel Boys

A still from the movie's trailer (Image via Amazon MGM Studio)

Nickel Boys is a historical drama set in 1960s Jim Crow-era Florida, following Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), an idealistic African-American teen inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. His life changes when a misunderstanding sends him to the Nickel Academy, a reform school hiding horrific abuses.

There, he befriends Turner (Brandon Wilson), whose pragmatic survival instincts clash with Elwood's belief in justice. Their bond reveals the systemic cruelty at Nickel Academy, based on the real-life Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, while the narrative weaves between past and present, highlighting resilience and humanity amid suffering.

This film which is based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer-winning novel, explores themes of racial injustice, systemic oppression, and the enduring scars of institutional abuse. Through its harrowing yet deeply emotional storytelling, it serves as a powerful reminder of the buried traumas that still echo today.

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Releasing schedule and where to watch the film?

Showtimes for The Nickel Boys will begin on Friday, December 13, 2024. Distributed by MGM Studios, this historical drama is currently not available on any streaming platform, so as of now catching it in theaters is the only way to experience its gripping narrative firsthand.

Releasing schedule is as follows:

Region	Date and place
United States	December 13, 2024 (New York City, New York)
United States	December 20, 2024 (Los Angeles, California)
United Kingdom	January 3, 2025 (Not Announced)

To enjoy the theatrical releases before the availability on any streaming platform, fans can visit the websites of the online booking platforms mentioned below to book their tickets:

• Fandango
• AMC Theaters
• Cinemark
• Angelika Film Center

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Cast of the Nickel Boys

Ethan Herisse as Elwood in the film (Image via Amazon MGM Studio)

The cast of The Nickel Boys is a talented ensemble that breathes life into their emotionally fuelled story.

Here is the list of the cast members:

• Ethan Herisse as Elwood
• Brandon Wilson as Turner
• Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Hattie
• Ethan Cole Sharp as young Elwood
• Sam Malone as Percy
• Najah Bradley as Evelyn
• Jimmie Fails as Mr. Hill
• Ky'druis Follins as Lincoln High Student
• Gabrielle Simone Johnson as Elwood's girlfriend
• Peter Gabb as Mr. Marconi
• Ellison Booker as Older Guy (Protest)
• Taraja Ramsess as Rodney
• Zachary Van Zandt as White Boy (as Zachary Luke Van Zandt)
• Sean Tyrik as Corey
• Hamish Linklater as Spencer
• Gralen Bryant Banks as Blakeley
• Bryant Tardy as Desmond
• Luke Tennie as Griff
• Trey Perkins as Chickie Pete
• Robert Aberdeen as Mr. Goodall
• Bryan Gael Guzman as Jaime
• Escalante Lundy as Earl
• Ja'Quan Monroe-Henderson as Black Mike
• Fred Hechinger as Harper
• Mike Harkins as Butcher
• Nicholas Stevens as Citrus Grove Stilt Boss
• Daveed Diggs as Adult Elwood
• Rachel Whitman Groves as Nurse Scarlett
• Billy Slaughter as Dr. Cooke
• Lucy Faust as Mrs. Hardee
• Tanyell Waivers as Denise
• Sara Osi Scott as Millie

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Stay tuned for more news and updates about the Nickel Boys.