Richard Linklater (‘Dazed and Confused’) is a rare gift to the cinematic world. He understands human relationships and the subtle yet powerful art of conversation better than most. While this auteur has wooed the world with the sensational ‘Before’ trilogy since 1995, he was simultaneously embarking on an extraordinary journey that would take audiences 12 years to join him on.
‘Boyhood’ follows the life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), along with his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), mother Olivia (Patricia Arquette) and father Mason Sr. (Ethan Hawke) from 2002 to 2013 as they navigate family dynamics, remarriage, relocation, friendships, romantic relationships, time, getting older and the pressures of trying to find out who you are.
To put it simply, this film is special. The care, attention and time dedicated to this remarkable project is evident in every frame and scene. At 163 minutes, it could have gone for three more hours and you still wouldn’t feel bored. As an audience, you are literally watching a life unfold before your very eyes, and you feel privileged to be doing so.
A little rough around the edges (just like life itself) this is the definitive coming-of-age movie. Truly moving and evocative, ‘Boyhood’ is a cinematic achievement like no other and most likely none other to follow.