Amid numerous stories of Black hardship, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by grief and anger. But RaMell Ross’ “Nickel Boys” offers a refreshing reminder that many untold stories remain, and his innovative filmmaking adds depth to the African American experience.

Starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Daveed Diggs and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, “Nickel Boys” is directed by Ross, who brings his background as a cinematographer to this bold, first-person approach to storytelling. The film shifts perspectives between characters in a way that pushes cinematic boundaries, as Ross invites viewers to experience the characters through the eyes of others.

 RaMell Ross directs a scene on set of “Nickel Boys,” which has received critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture.
 

This exploration of perception and misperception delves deep into the psychological impact of being viewed with hatred by one and with love by another.

“Black cinema is evolving. The cinema of the past has been responsive to the time — a need to provide evidence or proof of the struggle,” Ross said. “This film is a part of the natural evolution of Black film.”

Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Nickel Boys” tells the gripping story of two young African American men navigating the brutal horrors of a Florida reform school. One of them, Elwood Curtis, an ambitious teenager from the Jim Crow South, makes a fateful choice that changes his life forever.

Instead of heading to college, he’s sent to a notorious reformatory, where he forms a bond with Turner, a fellow student, that will shape their destinies.

The story is based on the real-life Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, which operated until 2011, infamous for its years of abuse and the discovery of nearly 100 unmarked graves. In 2023, Florida allocated $20 million in restitution to survivors of the abuse.

Ross’ visual storytelling in “Nickel Boys” is revolutionary, offering an emotionally charged experience. He’s not a director that’s afraid to take chances in creating a compelling narrative.

“I don’t over-identify with failure. That freedom allows me to think creatively. It’s just what we do. We try stuff.”

“Nickel Boys” is playing at select theaters and debuts Feb. 28 on the streaming service MGM+.