David Denby , writing in '' The New Yorker '' , praised the director , saying " Nichols has developed a talent for intimacy and for continuous tension — he could be developing into one of the great movie storytellers . " He further notes that the film , as a whole , " plays with a depth and psychological acuteness almost never found in our movies anymore . " Quoting The Wrap 's report that the film played very strongly in the South , Godfrey Cheshire writes that he was not surprised , because " '' Mud '' is the best Southern film I ’ve seen in ages . " Singling out McConaughey 's performance , '' The Village Voice '' described it as " the latest in McConaughey 's campaign for reconsideration as a great American actor . " '' Mud '' has received numerous awards and nominations . It received the Robert Altman Award at the 29th Independent Spirit Awards for its film director , casting director , and ensemble cast . The Independent Spirit Awards also nominated Jeff Nichols for Best Director
29th Independent Spirit Awards
29th Independent Spirit Awards
Mud (2012 film)