Boyhood (2014)

IMDb plot summary: The life of a young man, Mason, from age 5 to age 18.
Directed by Richard Linklater. Starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater.

First of all, this is most definitely an incredible film achievement. Filming the same actors over 12 years was a fascinating and bold decision, and it totally works here to show the passing of time. Fortunately, though, the film doesn't entirely depend on its gimmick to hold it up, because that would be lazy. The gimmick strengthens the story instead of being the other way around.

This story is a subtle, likable exploration of growth, change, and figuring out the point of life. Each episode expands on this point a little more. It's hard to really pinpoint what exactly works about this movie except that it treats it much like we experience actual life -- there's no clearly-defined sense of "This is what this is all about," just a series of quiet moments that all add up to something bigger.

This movie definitely works for me. It didn't blow me away, but I feel like that would almost be too grandiose a response to this movie. It's quiet and gradual, and I feel like my response will be as well. This film is not done with me yet.

4 stars.

How it entered my Flickchart:
Boyhood > Galaxy Quest
Boyhood > American Outlaws
Boyhood < Jean de Florette
Boyhood < Iron Man
Boyhood < The Sessions
Boyhood > Key Largo
Boyhood > Cats and Dogs
Boyhood > Leap of Faith
Boyhood < Waking Ned Devine
Boyhood > Bicentennial Man
Final spot: #513 out of 2322.