Boyhood (2014)

Beginning in 2002 and ending in 2013, the narrative follows a single mother (Patricia Arquette) raising a daughter (Lorelei Linklater) and son (Ellar Coltrane) with the emphasis on the boy and his growth to young manhood. Richard Linklater's landmark film shot chronologically through a 12 year filming period allowing its actors to literally grow into their characters is probably the most highly praised film of 2014. Does it live up to the hype? Mostly. I loved how Linklater defied my expectations, every time I thought I knew what was coming next, it didn't happen. There are no profound revelations, no melodramatic incidents (well, perhaps the abusive second marriage), no set pieces. Rather Linklater is content to let the story quietly unfold in its own time yet his exact gaze draws us in and we're hooked and we've become invested in this family's tale and can't wait to see what happens next. The scope of the film is amazing and most likely will never be attempted again. But Linklater has shown what a visionary can do if he sets his mind to it. Is it a masterpiece? I'm not so sure but that's for posterity to decide.