The film is told from a different perspective – point of view – with actors staring into the camera to tell the story of an abusive reform school, Nickel Academy.

Inside the wildly original film with RaMell Ross and star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Plus: My insta-take on Critics Choice noms

A movie shot in first person sounds like a gimmick. Part of the magic of filmed storytelling is accepting that something can be from someone’s point of view and yet also from a