Mud

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.