A critically acclaimed dramatic thriller starring Matthew McConaughey is available to stream for free this weekend.
You can catch it on BBC iPlayer from Saturday, 19th July and it’s well worth a watch for fans of the Oscar-winning A-lister.
Celebrated for his roles in Interstellar and True Detective, McConaughey first found movie stardom as a popular romantic comedy lead, opposite the likes of Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Before nabbing an Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club and starring in Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic, the star featured in a critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama that may have slipped under your radar.
From director Jeff Nichols, Mud stars McConaughey as an escaped fugitive who strikes up a deal with two teenagers while hiding out on a small island.
Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One) and Jacob Lofland (Landman) portray the two boys who discover Mud living in an abandoned boat and agree to help him reunite with his girlfriend, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon).
While the film garnered rave reviews, scoring an impressive 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this moderate hit from 2012 has been overshadowed by some of McConaughey’s more high-profile roles. It’s now been given a second chance of discovery by UK audiences on BBC iPlayer.
One passionate five-star Google review said: “Loved this movie—watched it with my teenage son—a rich spiritual universe is contained within this well crafted and brilliantly acted film.
“There is a depth, authenticity and mystery here not often found—there aren’t enough intelligent soulful movies that so artfully speak to adults and (older) teens at the same time. Mysterious and simply entertaining; easy as a snack but as (ful)filling as a thick, juicy steak. Watch it with someone you care about.”
Someone else gushed: “Dreamy with a touch of poetic licence – I found it quite captivating. Keeps you guessing to the end.”
“The views on the river are stunning,” another fan penned: “I would strongly recommend for older kids and young adults.
“It maintains the sense of mystery and adventure, while dealing with many of the issues young people struggle to understand. It is both harrowing and warm hearted. i personally loved it. The fact that McConaughey is gorgeous does not hurt.”
And the praise continues on Letterboxd, where another five-star review says: “Jeff Nichols’ Mud is a beautiful coming of age film. Not only is it beautiful but also, compelling, thrilling, heartily emotional and a well-rounded film.”
While a final advocate added: “The last half hour of this is some of the greatest filmmaking I’ve seen in a while. Goddamn, I loved it.
“McConaughey kills it once again and this kid Tye Sheridan, man, he is great.”
Make sure you take a chance on Mud as it hits the free streaming service this weekend.
Mud is available on BBC iPlayer from Saturday, 19th July.