Set in 1969 Florida, The Paperboy is a coming of age film nestled within a deliciously pulpy crime drama. The story is centered around an overlooked younger son (talented up-and-comer Zac Efron) who is thrilled when his older brother (Matthew McConaughey) returns to their swampy backwater after making it in the big time of Miami. The older brother is an investigative reporter who seeks the truth about a sensational death row case.
The strength of the film is in the supporting characters. David Oyelowo plays the older brother’s cynical and self-absorbed partner. John Cusack’s death row inmate is utterly animalistic, a real departure for Cusack. Nicole Kidman plays the convict’s pen pal fiance; the younger brother falls for her, but she’s apparently screwing everyone except him.
But the surprise performance in The Paperboy is by recording artist Macy Gray, who plays the family domestic. With complete authenticity, Gray is playful, hurt, dignified, angry, funny, tough, cagy and vulnerable and, as the narrator, she keeps the movie together. It’s a really superb performance, and I look forward to seeing Gray in more high profile parts.
This is director Lee Daniels’ follow up to his heart rending Precious. Once again, his character driven story-telling is first rate. The Paperboy is dark, violent, sexy and gripping with vivid characters.
Watch for Kidman’s particularly alarming treatment for jellyfish stings.