Mud (2012)

Mud is a 2012 American independent Southern Gothic coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Jeff Nichols. Set along the Mississippi River in rural Arkansas, the film follows two teenage boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), who encounter a fugitive named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) hiding on a small island. They agree to help him repair a boat, evade bounty hunters, and reunite with his estranged lover, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). Blending elements of folklore, romance, and youthful adventure, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the loss of innocence through the perspective of its young protagonists. Sam Shepard and Michael Shannon also star. The film was Joe Don Baker's last appearance before his death in 2025.

Mud competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, where it received an 18-minute standing ovation. It was also shown at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013. The film opened on April 26, 2013, with a limited release in select theaters, before having a wide release on May 10. Mud performed well at the box office, grossing $32.6 million on a $10 million budget, and received critical acclaim, with particular praise for McConaughey's performance and Nichols' direction.