Previous Next

Alongside Turner, Elwood (played by Ethan Herisse) is one of the two protagonists of Nickel Boys, and the first half of the film is shown entirely from his perspective. In fact, in the first half of the film, the viewer only sees Elwood when he catches glimpses of his own reflection in the windows of buses and storefronts of Tallahassee, Florida, where he is raised. The audience learns about Elwood’s early life through a series of quick scenes, or vignettes, that depict events from his childhood through high school. Elwood is a bright teenager who lives with his grandmother, works at a local business, and excels at school. He is deeply inspired by the Civil Rights movement, following the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders closely and developing a bond with his teacher, Mr. Will, who sustained injuries while fighting for legal equality for African Americans. He is rapt with attention when he hears speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. on television or the radio, and he joins a local Civil Rights group, offering half of his paycheck to a bail fund in aid of those arrested in the course of activism.

Despite his strong ideals and academic gifts, however, Elwood is in many ways a typical teenager. His generous decision to offer half of his paycheck, for example, is at least partially motivated by his desire to impress a girl whom he has a crush on. Later, he and the girl go on a date, taking pictures in a photobooth like any other young people.  

Elwood’s childhood comes to an abrupt and painful end. At Mr. Will’s recommendation, he decides to attend free courses for advanced high school students at a local HBCU (Historically Black College and University), attesting to his strong academic drive. His academic dreams are cut short, however, when he unknowingly accepts a ride in a stolen car and is subsequently charged as an accomplice in the theft. Elwood’s story underscores both the pervasiveness of racism and its arbitrariness. He breaks no laws, works hard in school, and is respectful to others. Nevertheless, he becomes a victim of racism in the criminal justice system, despite doing everything “right.”  

At Nickel Academy, Elwood’s ideals and values are put to the test. Within a few days at arriving at the reform school, he sees fellow students bullying a weaker student and intervenes. Ultimately, the intervention proves costly, as he is knocked out by another student and then brutally and violently punished by Spencer for his involvement in an apparent “fight.” Still, Elwood feels that he cannot sit by idly while injustice occurs around him.  

Unable to turn a blind eye to the various injustices in the school, including the exploitation and abuse of students by staff, Elwood documents them in a journal, attesting to his continued faith in justice. He keeps the journal because, ultimately, he believes that the authorities will intervene if they learn about the poor conditions at Nickel Academy. Despite the unfairness of the charges that landed him at Nickel and the violence he experiences there, Elwood remains steadfast in his belief in a better and more just future. When inspectors visit the school, other students happily take advantage of the (temporarily) improved food, but Elwood refuses to be placated by these superficial acts of “benevolence.” He walks out of the cafeteria, refusing the ice cream that has excited the other students, because he recognizes that they are being bribed into acquiescence. Tragically, Elwood is betrayed by the same authorities whom he trusts to uphold the law. 

Previous section Cast & Characters Next section Turner

Take a Study Break