Considering the number of romantic comedies Matthew McConaughey has on his resume (seriously, the man is a rom-com machine) it’s pretty amazing that he has yet to share the screen with Reese Witherspoon. The two will rectify the situation when they team up for Mud, a drama written and directed by Jeff Nichols.

The original screenplay centers on a charismatic fugitive named Mud (McConaughey) who forges an unlikely friendship with a 14-year-old boy named Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and embarks on a journey to reunite with his soul mate, Juniper (Witherspoon). Along the way, the encounter bounty hunters, law enforcement officials, and other obstacles that no doubt will bring this unique trio closer together.

“Jeff Nichols has written a beautiful story with rich characters learning valuable lessons through life-changing circumstances," says Lisa Maria Falcone, founder of Everest Entertainment, which will finance the picture. "With Jeff’s vision, this will be a work of art."

Soul mates? Precocious teenage sidekicks? Yes, my stomach is turning a little. But Everest Entertainment previously bankrolled Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours and Tom McCarthy’s Win Win, and based on those two titles alone I’m willing to listen to any story they feel compelled to tell. Add that to the fact that Nichols is receiving great buzz for the Sundance hit Take Shelter, which stars Michael Shannon staring down the Apocalypse. McConaughey is coming off of a solid turn in The Lincoln Lawyer, while Witherspoon’s an Oscar winner who’s always capable of turning in a strong performance. Here’s hoping Mud clears up to be a compelling, character-driven piece we all can get behind.