12 years in the making

Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari, Marco Perella, Brad Hawkins

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You don't want the bumpers, life doesn't give you bumpers." - Dad to his son while bowling

Why watch this? This incredible unique film is a case study on humanity.

Plot Summary: This groundbreaking film follows the life of a young boy, Mason, from age 6 to 18. Shot over a 12-year period with the same cast, the film captures his experiences growing up in Texas with divorced parents and his sister. Through a series of ordinary yet impactful, moments, we witness the universal journey of childhood and adolescence.

Dad's Preview: Filmed from 2002 to 2013, that's eleven years in the life of the actors. The young star is Ellar Coltrane whose life we watch as he ages - from childhood to adolescence, and finally to age 18. It is highly regarded by critics for its incredible reality and lack of pretense. We experience his happiness, his trials, his changing personality. It's like watching a flower bud and bloom in accelerated motion. This wonderful film concept is a miracle to behold.

IFC Productions, Detour Filmproduction, Cinetic Media; IFC Films