NEW YORK – “Nickel Boys” stands out as a film like no other this year.

Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, this poignant drama tells the story of two African American teenagers in the 1960s Southern United States: the intellectual Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and the street-smart Turner (Brandon Wilson). They endure life in a harsh, racially charged reform school characterized by extreme violence and sexual abuse. The narrative draws inspiration from the now-defunct Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida, where many unmarked graves were discovered in recent years.

“Nickel Boys” employs an unconventional storytelling technique that immerses viewers deeply into the characters’ experiences, effectively allowing the audience to see through Elwood’s and Turner’s eyes throughout the nearly two-hour runtime. The film alternates between their personal viewpoints: when Elwood’s grandmother (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) embraces him, she is really embracing the audience, and the boys often look directly into the camera while conversing.

This bold technique is visually stunning yet can feel disconcerting. However, it effectively conveys powerful emotions, as director RaMell Ross draws viewers into the pain and strength of these characters’ journeys.

During a press event prior to the film’s debut at the New York Film Festival, Ross mentioned his desire to examine issues of authorship, erasure, and the narrative control of Black stories.

While reflecting on Whitehead’s book, Ross noted, “POV was the first concept that struck me. I contemplated Elwood’s realization of his identity as a Black person. It’s a poetic moment, where a person’s self-understanding is shaped by external perceptions—a reflection of the looking-glass theory.”

Herisse, known for his role in Netflix’s “When They See Us,” expressed the challenges of performing from such an atypical point of view.

“This experience is unlike anything we’ve faced before,” said Herisse, joined by fellow cast members including Wilson, Ellis-Taylor, and “Hamilton” alumnus Daveed Diggs. “In traditional acting, you learn not to engage with the camera. Here, however, you must maintain that connection when interacting. It demands a process of unlearning and a method of connecting genuinely.”

“Nickel Boys” marks Ross’ first narrative feature, building on his breakout 2018 documentary “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” which received an Oscar nomination. His background in documentaries influences the film, as it incorporates archival photographs, news clips, and historical records to depict the volatile climate of civil rights-era America. Rather than showcasing violence directly on screen, Ross focuses on abstract representations, lingering on walls, light fixtures, and other elements that capture the boys’ perspective during their suffering.

“When faced with trauma, people often don’t gaze into the depths of malevolence,” Ross remarked. “They may look elsewhere, and those fleeting impressions create future memories. Our aim was to explore those moments of where people direct their gaze. This approach feels more visceral and poignant than simply showing Elwood being struck.”

“Nickel Boys” is set to debut in select theaters on October 25. It will serve as the opening night feature of the New York Film Festival, which will also showcase films from prominent figures like Cate Blanchett (“Rumours”), Angelina Jolie (“Maria”), Selena Gomez (“Emilia Pérez”), and Elton John (“Never Too Late”) in the upcoming days.