On DVD/Blu-Ray: Boyhood (Richard Linklater, 2014)

Every decade or so, there comes a film that can be considered truly quintessential viewing. Whilst we’re treated to great cinema on a much more frequent basis, there are very few features that are as fulfilling or as wholesome as Boyhood is. A story of progression and familial bonds, it’s an ensemble piece that blurs the usually stringent lines between director and performers. Richard Linklater is at the helm here; a man that over his career and especially in the last decade has cemented himself as the industry’s most human director, finding himself in touch with every character in his masterpieces. Boyhood is no different; both exceptionally brave in its 12 year conception yet totally humble, it’s as sincere as cinema gets.

The life of a boy as he grows up from a young child to a teenager as seen through the eyes of himself and those around him.

Boyhood is weaved with quiet ambition, rife with great performers and never grows tiresome. Both Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as Mason’s parents have gained Oscar nominations (Arquette has already won the Golden Globe) for their performances, and rightly so. Although the focus lies on the children, it’s through the focused eyes of the adults that their personalities can be seen in full bloom. Over the 12 years, Arquette’s character develops from a headstrong, short tempered young mother to a woman watching her children fall from her grip. Her role culminates in a heartbreaking scene that alone justifies her countless nominations.

Ethan Hawke’s dad role has a charm and charisma that never leaves him; it simply matures as he crows feet deepen with his voice. Its in his scenes that his relationship with the children work best. Both newcomers Ellar Coltrane and Lorelei Linklater (Richard’s daughter), work best around Hawke. Their gawky child actor attempts at first feel raw if a little unrefined, and as a result has most likely left them trailing in the awards season consideration.

Needless to say, the purity of Boyhood shows that this wasn’t a film made to be laden with accolades. Like any other indie drama, Boyhood had a festival roll out and a sleepy summer release. It just so happened that, when it was important, the Academy did what they rarely do: they remembered. Its short term longevity has worked wonders for it so far, but its warm, human heart will let it be remembered for decades to come.

Boyhood is released by Universal on DVD/Blu-Ray January 19th