Netflix's 2017 historical war drama Mudbound has been hailed as a must-watch by critics and audiences alike, boasting a near-perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Dee Rees and co-written with Virgil Williams, the film is based on the 2008 novel by Hillary Jordan and stars Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell, Jonathan Banks, Rob Morgan, and Mary J. Blige.
Set in the rural American South during World War II, the story follows two families bound together by shared farmland in the Mississippi Delta, yet pitted against each other by a ruthless social hierarchy. Critics have described it as a 'masterpiece' and 'extraordinary and touching', with one reviewer calling it 'the closest thing we've seen in a while to George Stevens' Giant or John Ford's The Grapes of Wrath'.
Mudbound enjoyed a successful awards season, earning two Golden Globe nominations and four Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Mary J. Blige and Best Adapted Screenplay for Rees and Williams. Notably, Rees became the first African-American woman nominated in the adapted screenplay category, and cinematographer Rachel Morrison became the first woman nominated for Best Cinematography.
Audience reviews have been equally glowing, with one viewer stating: 'I seldom award five stars, but this movie earned it. The narrative was captivating, the performances phenomenal, and the direction unparalleled.' Another added: 'Netflix has made a film worthy of the highest praise. The entire screening audience became engrossed.'
