Mudbound 2017

The film begins with Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund) digging a grave for his father as rain and darkness approach. During the storm, he gets trapped, but his older brother Henry (Jason Clarke) comes to his rescue, despite Jamie’s emotional fears of being left behind. The following morning, Laura (Carey Mulligan), Henry’s wife, reflects on their life as they struggle to fit the coffin into the grave. As they toil, a black family, the Jacksons, passes by in their wagon, and Henry, against Laura’s advice, asks them for assistance.

Laura’s voice-over takes us back to 1939, recounting how she met Henry, who she felt was more of a rescuer than a true love. As the narrative unfolds, Jamie, looking to impress Laura, shares stories at a party that culminates in him dancing with her. Despite recently celebrating Henry and Laura’s commitment to a family, Laura secretly acknowledges her feelings for Jamie.

The tone shifts to the wartime period: Ronsel (Jason Mitchell), one of the Jackson family’s sons, is preparing to fight, buoyed by his mother Florence’s (Mary J. Blige) words of encouragement. Ronsel’s father, Hap (Rob Morgan), expresses his frustration about their family’s land cultivation and dreams of ownership. Meanwhile, Henry reveals to Laura their impending move to a farm in Mississippi, surprising her as she was unaware of his aspirations.

Once they arrive, they discover the adverse reality of their new farmhouse and confront Pappy’s (Jonathan Banks) disapproval regarding their new life. The differences between the Jackson and McAllan families begin to emerge, especially with the struggles both groups face. Throughout the war, Jamie fights as an army pilot while Ronsel experiences racial disparities in Europe, contrasting with his return home, where he’s treated as a second-class citizen.

The film depicts Laura’s struggles with her sick daughters, highlighting the unwavering bond of community as Florence helps take care of them despite her husband’s reservations. Back at home, Jamie’s mental health deteriorates as he grapples with the consequences of war. Ronsel, showing signs of emotional turmoil from his experiences, tries to reconnect with his roots while facing the harsh realities of life as a black man in the South.

As tensions rise, we witness a heartbreaking moment when Ronsel’s friendship with Jamie leads to unforeseen consequences, culminating in violence fueled by deep-seated racism. Their bond, initially built on shared experiences, eventually crumbles under societal pressures as both families collide in tragic confrontation.

The narrative elegantly weaves through themes of love, loss, and racial inequality, emphasizing the personal stories that rise above the historical context. The film encapsulates a poignant reflection on the lives of those impacted by the struggles of war and societal expectations. With impactful voice-overs from Ronsel and Laura, the story ultimately highlights the complexities and resilience of love and kinship amid adversity, leaving the audience to ponder the effects of their choices on future generations.