Mud

Mud

Year: 2013

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Jeff Nichols

Drama

Two young boys, Ellis and Neckbone, discover a stranded man, Mud, hiding on an island in the Mississippi River. Intrigued by his story, they form a close bond with him while he waits for a woman named Juniper to arrive. However, Mud is a fugitive with a dangerous past, and a bounty hunter is hot on his trail. As Ellis and Neckbone help Mud, they learn valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature, all while navigating a tense and suspenseful situation.

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Timeline – Mud (2013)

Trace every key event in Mud (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Exploration Begins

Ellis and Neckbone, two adventurous teenage boys, embark on an exploration of the Arkansas delta. They find themselves on a small island in the Mississippi River, igniting their curiosity and sense of discovery.

Arkansas delta
2

Discovery of the Boat

While on the island, the boys make an intriguing discovery—a boat lodged precariously in the branches of a tree. Realizing it was likely left there by a flood, they contemplate claiming it for themselves.

Mississippi River
3

Meeting Mud

Their plans take a turn when they encounter Mud, a fugitive with deep ties to the area. Mud shares his desperate story of love and tragedy, explaining his need to reconnect with his former girlfriend, Juniper.

4

The Mission

Moved by Mud's plea, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him fix the boat in exchange for a .45 pistol. This agreement sets them on a course filled with adventure, danger, and moral dilemmas.

5

Encounter with Juniper

The boys catch a glimpse of Juniper at the local Piggly Wiggly, where they witness her being mistreated by another man. Emboldened, Ellis intervenes, standing up for her but earning a black eye in the process.

Piggly Wiggly
6

Growing Feelings

After helping Juniper, she expresses gratitude to Ellis, deepening his feelings for her. This emotional connection inspires him amidst his own challenges at home, particularly with his parents' divorce looming.

7

Threat of Revenge

Much to their dismay, a new danger arises in the form of King Carver, the father of Mud's victim. He mobilizes local law enforcement and a militia determined to track down and exact revenge on Mud.

8

Ellis's Heartbreak

Amid the chaos of helping Mud, Ellis finds himself infatuated with a girl named May Pearl. His romantic aspirations are dashed when she openly rejects him in front of her peers, leaving him feeling lost and vulnerable.

9

Scavenging for Parts

Determined to assist Mud, Ellis and Neckbone scavenge for parts needed to repair the boat. This quest symbolizes their dedication to helping their new friend, as Mud dreams of a hopeful future with Juniper.

10

Juniper's Choice

After finally locating Juniper, Mud is devastated when she decides to stay behind, shattering his dreams of escaping to Mexico. This moment leaves both Mud and Ellis heartbroken and facing harsh realities.

11

A Dangerous Escape

In a fit of anger, Ellis runs away and suffers a bite from a water moccasin. Mud and Neckbone quickly rush him to the mainland for medical attention, but their efforts attract the attention of local authorities.

12

Violent Confrontation

As they try to escape, Mud, Ellis, and Neckbone find themselves in a violent confrontation with King Carver and his men. In the chaos, Tom Blankenship intervenes, using his sniper skills to protect them.

13

Mud Goes Missing

Amidst the turmoil, Mud is grievously wounded and disappears into the waters, leaving the outcomes uncertain. The tragedy of the confrontation marks a turning point for everyone involved, especially for Ellis.

Mississippi River
14

Finding Hope

After the chaos subsides, Ellis's family struggles continue as their houseboat is taken away. Yet, amid despair, he finds flickers of optimism with new friends, contemplating the future despite his current plight.

15

A Journey of Resilience

Ultimately, Tom discovers that Mud has survived and attends to his injuries. Together, they set off on the repaired boat, journeying down the Mississippi toward the Gulf, which symbolizes hope and resilience.

Mississippi River

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:56

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Mud Summary

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Mud Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mud

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