By Peter de Kuster
Introduction: When the World Turns Against You, What Story Will You Tell?
Nickel Boys (2024) is a searing drama set in 1960s Jim Crow Florida, following two African-American teenagers, Elwood and Turner, as they endure the horrors of the Nickel Academy—a reform school built on cruelty and corruption. Their story is not just about survival, but about the fight for dignity, truth, and the hope that even the darkest chapters can give rise to a new legend. For creative leaders, Nickel Boys is a wake-up call: you are the storyteller of your own life. Will you accept the world as it is, or will you find the courage to rewrite your story—and inspire others to do the same?
Plot Summary: From Hope to Heartbreak and Beyond
Elwood Curtis is a bright, idealistic teen, raised by his grandmother to believe in justice and the teachings of Dr. King. One fateful ride in a stranger’s car lands him at Nickel Academy, where Black boys are segregated, abused, and denied even the most basic rights. There, Elwood meets Turner, a more cynical survivor. The two form a powerful friendship, navigating daily brutality, forced labor, and the ever-present threat of violence.
Elwood tries to stand up for others and documents the school’s abuses, hoping to spark change. But his efforts bring only more suffering: he’s locked in the sweatbox and marked for death. Turner risks everything to help Elwood escape, but tragedy strikes—Elwood is killed, and Turner flees, carrying the pain and the memory of his friend. In adulthood, Turner lives under Elwood’s name, building a new life and ultimately finding the strength to testify against Nickel’s crimes, determined to honor Elwood’s legacy and bring justice to the lost boys.
The Hero’s Journey in Nickel Boys
Reflections for Creative Leaders at Every Stage
| Stage | Film Moment | Reflection for Creative Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ordinary World | Elwood’s hopeful life with his Nana in Tallahassee | Where in your life are you guided by ideals, but unaware of coming challenges? |
| 2. Call to Adventure | Wrongfully sent to Nickel Academy | What injustice or crisis is forcing you out of your comfort zone? |
| 3. Refusal of the Call | Turner’s cynicism; Elwood’s initial disbelief in the system’s cruelty | When have you doubted your power to change a broken system? |
| 4. Meeting the Mentor | Elwood’s Nana, Dr. King’s teachings, and Turner’s street wisdom | Who inspires you to hold onto hope or teaches you how to survive? |
| 5. Crossing the Threshold | Entering Nickel and facing its brutal reality | What step have you taken that changed your world forever? |
| 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies | Surviving abuse, forming bonds, facing corrupt staff | Who are your true allies—and who or what threatens your journey? |
| 7. Approach to the Inmost Cave | Elwood’s plan to document abuses and seek justice | What risks are you willing to take to stand up for your values? |
| 8. Ordeal | Elwood’s torture and death; Turner’s desperate escape | When have you faced a loss so great it nearly broke you? |
| 9. Reward | Turner’s survival and the chance to build a new life | What strengths or lessons have you gained from enduring hardship? |
| 10. The Road Back | Turner living as Elwood, haunted by the past | How do you carry your scars and memories into your present? |
| 11. Resurrection | Turner’s decision to testify and expose Nickel’s crimes | How can you transform your pain into a force for justice and change? |
| 12. Return with the Elixir | Honoring Elwood’s legacy, bringing truth to light | What wisdom or legacy will you share with the world from your journey? |
Conclusion: The Power of Bearing Witness
Nickel Boys is not just a story of suffering, but of resilience, friendship, and the power of bearing witness. Elwood and Turner’s journey shows that even when the world is unjust, you can choose to fight for truth and dignity. As creative leaders, your greatest legacy may come not from your victories, but from your courage to tell the truth and inspire others to keep fighting for a better world.
Questions to Take Away After Watching Nickel Boys
- Where in your life are you called to stand up against injustice, even when it’s risky?
- Who are your true allies, and how do they help you survive and grow?
- What pain or loss have you experienced—and how can you honor it by helping others?
- How can you turn your scars into a story that brings hope and change?
- What legacy do you want to leave for those who follow your path?
Story Coaching Offer: Create Your Hero’s Journey with Peter de Kuster
Are you ready to turn your struggles into a story of growth, truth, and impact? My story coaching is for:
- Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking clarity, purpose, and authentic leadership
- Anyone at a crossroads, ready to turn adversity into meaning and momentum
- Individuals determined to become the author of their own life story
Benefits of Story Coaching
- Discover your personal myth and core archetypes
- Reframe limiting beliefs and turn adversity into opportunity
- Gain clarity on your mission, legacy, and next creative chapter
- Develop practical strategies for authentic, impactful leadership
- Strengthen your storytelling skills to inspire and unite your team
Special Price for Readers
- Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €195 (excl. VAT)
- Express Session (1 hour): €120 (excl. VAT)
Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl
You are the hero, the storyteller, and the legend in the making. The next chapter is yours to write.
The Power of Your Story 