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Note: There is a spoiler in the last paragraph.

The first half of Nickel Boys is shown almost exclusively from the perspective of Elwood, but in a scene set in the cafeteria at Nickel Academy, the perspective suddenly shifts to that of Turner (played by Brandon Wilson), marking his status as one of the film’s two protagonists. Turner serves as a foil to Elwood throughout the film, despite their close friendship. While Elwood firmly believes in the vision of racial equality offered by the Civil Rights Movement, Turner has little faith in political progress, arguing that individuals must survive on their own wits. Turner’s pragmatism offers a stark contrast to Elwood’s staunch idealism.  

Turner helps Elwood survive in the difficult environment of Nickel Academy, informing him of the extreme forms of punishment and control employed by the school, including murder, and warning him to keep his head down. When Elwood insists that things aren’t how they’re “supposed to be” at Elwood, the jaded Turner argues that “nobody cares about s’posed to,” reflecting his more pessimistic outlook. For Elwood, who has been in and out of reform school, Nickel Academy is not a state of “exception” in an otherwise just and fair world, but rather, an environment in which the racism prevalent throughout the United States can be practiced openly.  

The ideological differences between the two friends ultimately drive a wedge between them. When Elwood reveals to Turner that he has documented the various abuses he has witnessed and observed at Nickel Academy, Turner responds angrily, arguing that Elwood’s actions have endangered both of their lives. During the school inspection, however, Turner offers to pass Elwood’s notebook to the inspectors, despite his own reservations. Though he has little of Elwood’s optimism, this act attests to his respect for Elwood and the value he places on their friendship. A Turner predicted, the inspectors inform the Nickel staff about the notebook, and the staff brutally punishes Elwood by putting him in the sweatbox. Turner breaks him out, and the two run away, but their flight from the school ends in tragedy. After Elwood is murdered in their escape attempt, Turner assumes Elwood’s name. In taking up Elwood’s name, he keeps Elwood’s legacy and ideals alive. Just as Elwood once hoped to bring the crimes committed at Nickel Academy to life, an adult Turner thinks of his late friend before deciding to join the growing number of former students who publicly testify against the school.  

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