Directing and portraying the cross-generational tragedy of 'Nickel Boys'

We Need to Talk About Oscar

After its world premiere in late August at the Telluride Film Festival, the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel, Nickel Boys has taken festivals, awards season, and audiences by storm over the past few months.
We had the opportunity to sit down with writer-director RaMell Ross after a screening and Q&A of the film at the Camerimage Festival, where it played as part of the Directors’ Debut Competition. Then, a week before RaMell’s masterpiece (yes, you read that right) releases in a limited number of theaters, we connected with the two leads, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, who portray Elwood and Turner in the acclaimed film.
Our conversations with the three of them cover the crucial topic of the film’s visual language, both behind and in front of the camera, along with the unexpected challenges and the weight of the responsibility that comes with striving for authenticity.
(Photo credits: L. Kasimu Harris / Orion Pictures / Amazon Studios)