Mud (2013)

Old Man River is a body of water that houses a man’s body in Mud (2013). Not to be confused with the period pic Mudbound (2017) featuring Garrett Hedlund, this contemporary-set flick stars Matthew McConaughey as a fugitive named Mud. He’s on the lam and hiding in a boat on the Mississippi — until two teenage boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), discover and befriend him. In fact, these nice kids even help the mysterious river dweller fix his boat. Yet their situation changes when Ellis learns that Mud is a murderer and is wanted by the law. But instead of turning his new friend in to the authorities, the boy tries to help reunite Mud with his long lost love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). Along the way, we encounter Tom Blankenship (Sam Shepard), Mary Lee (Sarah Paulson), Galen (Michael Shannon), Senior (Ray McKinnon), and King (Joe Don Baker). Alas, not everything goes as planned. And when Ellis gets hurt, Mud risks everything to help the kid. This ultimately leads to a violent showdown between Mud and the local authorities. Even though this drama can be heavy, seeing a shirtless Matthew flaunt his tanned abs and musuclar guns lightens the mood. After all, who wouldn’t want to get dirty with Mud? In addition to competing for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (and a Palm d’Organ with Mr. Man), the movie nabbed the Grand Prix from the Belgian Film Critics Association. No doubt, Matthew’s skin gave them grand pricks!