Boyhood

Linklater’s tendency to prefer texture over narrative drive has frustrated me in the past, with his creative nadir being the worst film of all time. The difference is that “Boyhood” is grounded in far more relatable terms and dares to do interesting things with the side characters, with Patricia Arquette being a standout. The kid grows up to be sort of a chode, but it feels like his chodeness is earned due to the hours of character development that preceded it. “Boyhood” is another series of Linklater conversations about life and shit, but it is one of his better ones.

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