Boyhood (2014) Movie Review

Boyhood is a film which has sent critics aflurry with strong devotion to the whole prospect of keeping a single cast for 12 years for one film. And when the trailer was released earlier this year, I too was instantly hooked and excited for the final product. And whilst I was overall underwhelmed by it, it was still a great film. 

I love the idea of the film of keeping a simple cast for 12 years, and with that the actors do a tremendous job. Mason Jnr (Ellar Coltrane) is a likable lead who grows as an actor as time progresses. He doesn't subject himself to a specific type of kid like various films beforehand despite initial fears with brief spurs with bullying and rebellious nature, whilst Samantha (Lorelei Linklater) manages to portray  a good enough older sister. But whilst the film promotes itself as being all about Mason Jnr growing up, it's all really about parents Olivia and Jason Snr (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke) and how they progress from their divorce whilst juggling their kids and separate marriages. Whilst mainly focused on Olivia and her various marriages, the two grow too as time progresses, taking past events into effect, and by the end when they say their farewells to Mason Jnr it is emotional. As for other cast members, they do quite simply come and go, without future reference; understandably due to it being focused on life, but also somewhat disappointingly. 

There is no actual plot to the film, as it constantly shifts its focus for each year it covers, whether it be abusive fathers, relationships, or quite simply growing up. With that, the film can feel disjointed and the audience will struggle to keep up and catch up. And yet it feels right to not have a single plot, as it would make up for a very dull film and an incredibly slow journey for these characters. When each event occurs, it is great viewing, but nevertheless the full film is quite clearly in segments. It also doesn't help that the first few years are difficult to date, as neither child has significant growth. Once puberty kicks in, it's a lot more noticeable, but beforehand you rely solely on references to that time such as Gameboys and Obama.

It's already well established that this was Richard Linklater's baby, working on it every year whilst making the likes of School of Rock and Bernie, and it's clear that he's putting his all into his direction as it is a thing of beauty. Every shot is stunning, and the editing is done superbly. The final shots of Mason Jnr travelling to his new home to 'Hero' is one which clearly sows that we're reaching the end of his 12 year journey, and it prepares you for the end.

But by the time it's all over, you don't want it to. You want to see Mason grow through college and into adulthood. His first full time job, his wedding, family life, and so on. It's a story which is broken and slow but which doesn't deserve to end. When the credits roll, you want the next chapter to follow. Boyhood may not have reached my extraordinarily high expectations, but it did make a brilliant movie. 8/10.