This 97%-Rated Richard Linklater Drama Is One of the Wildest Cinematic Experiments Ever Made

Richard Linklater, the director of the Before trilogy, is known for his bold experiments with time. Even within his filmography, however, Boyhood stands apart.

From 2002 to 2013, Linklater filmed the coming-of-age story, working with the same actors for twelve years. During this time, the main character, Mason, evolved from a six-year-old child into an eighteen-year-old ready to enter adulthood.

What Is 'Boyhood' About?

The story centers on six-year-old Mason whose parents are getting divorced. Over the course of twelve years, the viewer witnesses short episodes in Mason's life, depicting his growth and his relationship with his parents.

Spanning twelve years, from first grade to graduation, the film depicts every significant step in Mason's life: his parents' divorce, his first feelings, his passionate infatuations, and the bitterness of disappointment.

Mason grows up before our eyes, transitioning from a child to a teenager and finally to a young man ready to enter adulthood.

Richard Linklater Devoted 12 Years to Producing a Single Movie

From 2002 to 2013, Richard Linklater filmed Boyhood, a coming-of-age story about one boy – this fact alone is enough to make you want to drop everything and watch it. Linklater began working on the movie when the lead actor, Ellar Coltrane, was just six years old.

This approach allows us to witness the changes in the boy's physical appearance over time. Boyhood is a true cinematic exploration in which time is Linklater's primary collaborator.

Mason is an incredibly relatable character because everyone has experienced what Boyhood's main character played out on camera for a dozen years, in one way or another.

'Boyhood' Is a True Reflection of a Generation and an Ode to Everyday Life

Thanks to its unique shooting conditions, Linklater's film made cinematic history. Perhaps due to the abundance of big names in 2015, such as Iñárritu, Anderson, and Chazelle, Boyhood was overlooked. However, that doesn't mean the twelve years of Mason's life should be overlooked.

The movie explores relationships with parents, the challenges of adolescence, and a boy's development into a man. Boyhood illustrates how we all go through the same stages and how time changes us, even when we don't notice.

Ethan Hawke plays Mason's father, who only spends time with his son on weekends due to his divorce from Mason's mother, he raises Mason in a relaxed, almost friendly manner. This performance earned the actor critical acclaim and his second Oscar nomination.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Boyhood'?

• Boyhood has 97% from critics and 80% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.9/10.

• On Letterboxd, Boyhood scored 3.8/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Boyhood'?

Boyhood is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.