Nickel Boys

What’s it about?

Elwood Curtis’s college dreams shatter when a mistake lands him at Nickel Academy, a brutal reform school in the Jim Crow South. There, he bonds with Turner, a savvy fellow inmate, balancing survival tips with Elwood’s stubborn optimism. Against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, Elwood fights to hold onto his humanity, inspiring Turner along the way.

The facts

• Directed by RaMell Ross
• Stars Brandon Wilson, Ethan Herisse, Luke Tennie, Fred Hechinger, Hamish Linklater
• English language
• Runtime: 139 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Offensive language

“F**k,” “hell” and “damn” are used occasionally, as well as racial slurs including “monkey ass” and “negro.”

Mild violence

A headmaster whips his students with a belt. While we don't see this happen, we hear whipping sounds and the headmaster saying “don’t make a sound or you’ll get more.”

When content stays with you

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• List of nominations in full for Oscars 2025 (BBC article)