Hailed as part of the continuing renaissance of Matthew McConaughey, Mud is an odd reflection on turbulent adolescence and the death of naivety. Mud leaves little room for interpretation and the story isn’t the most memorable, but it certainly deserves all the accolades plastered over the posters. Surprisingly nuanced performances, even from the younger cast members, a fantastical score, beautiful camera work and a boat in a tree lead to a great drama lacking the usual schmaltzy tosh.

It’s thicker than water but a lot messier as well