Get ready for a cinematic time capsule that's been waiting 12 years to be revisited – 'Boyhood', Richard Linklater's Oscar-winning masterpiece, is back in UK cinemas this July. This revolutionary film, which captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike when it first premiered in 2014, is an unparalleled achievement in storytelling, having been meticulously crafted over a 12-year period.
The result is a film that feels almost like a documentary, as we witness the genuine passage of time through the eyes of young Mason Jr., brought to life by Ellar Coltrane's captivating performance. As he grows from six to 18 years old, surrounded by an authentic cast – including Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as his parents, and Lorelei Linklater as his sister – we're treated to a poignant portrayal of family, love, and the challenges of growing up.
Patricia Arquette's tour-de-force performance as Mason's mother earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, cementing 'Boyhood' as one of the most significant films of the 2010s. The film was also nominated for a slew of prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.
Linklater revealed to Variety that celebrating the 12th anniversary rather than a more conventional milestone was partly a "delay tactic" – but one that's been worth the wait. The director is already planning his next ambitious long-term project, 'Merrily We Roll Along', starring Paul Mescal, which will be filmed every two years or so from 2019 until 2040.
For those who missed its original run or want to relive this modern classic on the big screen, 'Boyhood' is currently available to stream in the UK – but there's no substitute for the immersive experience of watching it in a cinema. The re-release offers a fresh opportunity to be transported into the world of Mason Jr. and his family, and to appreciate the film's cultural impact all over again.
The re-release of 'Boyhood' is set to delight both old and new fans alike – so get ready to experience this groundbreaking film in all its glory on the big screen!