Review of Boyhood (1951) by Jonathan B — 23 Mar 2017

I was utterly captivated by this lovely film about the life of a young American boy as he grows from childhood to adolescence, facing the issues and problems that modern family life throws his way. The story unfolds as a series of snapshots filmed over twelve years using the same cast each time.

This in itself is an extraordinary feat and the dedication and devotion to the project of the cast members and writer/director Richard Linklater really stand out. It makes the story feel genuine and heart-felt.

The portrayal of the developing and evolving family relationships is beautifully done and the viewer really gets to know the central character Mason, his sister Samantha, his mum and her various boyfriends and husbands and his own biological father.

It is a great insight into a modern family life showing all the tensions, triumphs and traumas that many people have to deal with. There is one moment when the teenage Mason and his stepbrother return home to find a devastating event unfolding that is shocking and upsetting but, on the whole, this is a gentle, tender movie with many uplifting and funny moments.

I particularly liked the way in which the relationship between Mason and Samantha changes from childhood sibling rivalry and argument to teenage irritation and finally the familial love of two well adjusted, young adults.

The actors are brilliantly cast with the lead being taken by Ellar Coltrane and his sister Lorelei Linklater. Both are extraordinarily engaging and credit for this must also go to Richard Linklater's direction which is naturalistic and unintrusive.

Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke play the children's mom and dad who themselves go through hugely transforming story arcs. This film was an absolute joy to watch and, for me, didn't have so much as a frame that seemed out of place.