A Powerful Drama

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2017)

Netflix hasn't had the best track record when it comes to original feature films, but there's always been that rare occasion each year with films like Beasts of No Nation or Tallulah (at least in my opinion), and I truly believe that they've just released their greatest feature film to date. Premiering in film festivals around the world, this film has been highly anticipated for film lovers and it didn't disappoint. Mudbound tackles many issues that have been explored throughout countless movies in the past or even in recent memory, but when a movie can captivate you with its characters and truly make you care when things begin to happen to them, then you've made a real gem of a film. Mudbound is no exception to that notion and here's why I believe it deserves all the attention it's getting.
Although I'd say I loved every second of this film in retrospect, it does take a while to win you over throughout its first act. After returning home from World War II, a few men have to deal with the racism in their hometown that was absolutely absent while they fought overseas. Dealing with racism isn't anything new in terms of film exploration, but it's sold very well here. It's done in such a way that feels fresh and old at the same time. Many instances filled my eyes with tears at how brutal some of the imagery was, leaving me speechless. Yes, this film can feel a little long, but that's where the cast comes into play, giving the movie a much greater pace.
Although casting talent like Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Carey Mulligan, and Jonathan Banks only added to the depth between characters here, Jason Mitchell is the true standout and I believe people will be talking about him for awards in the coming months. His portrayal of Ronsel literally had me in tears upon each climactic moment he was involved in. Watching his particular journey from war hero to being immediately degraded for having done absolutely nothing wrong, except for being a different color was quite awful to experience, but the arc that his character goes through is well worth the wait.
As I mentioned before, the first act of this film can feel very slow and I was pretty bored, to be honest, but trust me, it's only that way so that it can take its precious time to give the audience a lay-up and have them settle into this world and care about the characters in it. By the time the third act kicks in, there are some truly emotional moments between characters and one standout scene that I'll be remembering for quite some time between Hedlund and Mitchell. Their chemistry was out of this world to me and their scenes had me completely forget that I was watching a movie.
In the end, this is a well-shot, very well-scored, and wonderfully acted period drama that had me in tears by the time the credits started to roll. While it doesn't necessarily do anything new in terms of the emotional impact of racism back in the day, it finds a way to put a new spin on it and make you feel all kinds of emotions that even movies like 12 Years a Slave didn't. Yes, I know that's a bold statement, but Mudbound is exactly the movie I've been looking for in terms of this particular storyline. While the slow pace may not be for everyone, if you can invest yourself in a somewhat lengthy drama, Mudbound is now streaming on Netflix and I can't recommend it more.