How a Subtle Detail from Boyhood Enhances the Award-Winning Movie a Decade Later

Richard Linklater’s 2014 film, Boyhood, is a pioneering coming-of-age story that uniquely captures the essence of growing up. Shot over twelve years, the movie immerses viewers in the life of its protagonist, Mason Jr., and his family dynamics which evolve organically throughout his childhood. However, one of the film’s most fascinating aspects lies in its ending, which reframes the overall narrative into a deeply romantic context. The final scenes depict Mason’s formative experiences on his first day of college, establishing a connection with Nicole, a friend of his new roommate.

As they gaze at the breathtaking Big Bend Ranch State Park, Nicole introduces the intriguing concept of fate by stating, “The moment seizes us.”Their tension-filled exchange, marked by nervous smiles hinting at a potential first kiss, concludes just as the credits roll. This moment, while not universally recognized among cinema’s most memorable romantic scenes, serves as a poignant culmination of a film deeply rooted in the realism of adolescence. Even more intriguing is how this scene recalls a brief yet significant moment earlier in Mason’s life.

Revisiting Mason Jr.’s First Crush

The Connection Between College and Childhood

Watch the scene here

In a pivotal moment, a note from a classmate reads, “Mason, I think your hair looks kewl!” This sparks Mason’s first crush, a crucial juncture in his transition from childhood to adolescence. These fleeting moments, beautifully captured in Boyhood, resonate with audiences as they reflect on their own formative experiences. This scene gains even more significance when it’s revealed that the girl who wrote the note is named Nicole.

A Possible Connection Between Nichols

Tying Loose Ends Together

At first glance, it might appear improbable that the two Nicoles—one from Mason’s childhood and one from his college life—are the same individual. When they meet at college, it feels like a totally new encounter; surely, Mason would remember someone he attended school with. However, this perception fails to consider the instability of Mason’s upbringing, characterized by frequent relocations, shifting schools, and his mother’s tumultuous relationships. It’s conceivable that Mason encountered Nicole only briefly during his final year of primary school, leaving minimal interaction before he was uprooted once again.

Visually, the lingering camera shots capturing the unspoken connection between Mason and Nicole in both scenarios suggest a deeper link. Their physical resemblance—noticeable shared features such as dark hair and similar expressions—enhances this possibility. While it’s uncertain whether they were portrayed by the same actress, Ellar Coltrane, who plays Mason Jr., hinted during a Reddit AMA that this could indeed serve as an Easter egg within the film, though the connection remains open to interpretation.

Callbacks: A Signature of Linklater’s Storytelling

Master of Romantic Narratives

Ellar Coltrane and Ethan Hawke in Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s penchant for weaving significant callbacks into his narratives is clearly evidenced in Boyhood. Known for the acclaimed Before trilogy, his storytelling often captivates audiences through references that enhance romantic arcs. The dialogue in these films often emerges organically, a technique he previously employed with actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

Particularly in Before Sunset, the chemistry between the leads sparks self-referential moments that echo their initial meeting in Before Sunrise. Linklater’s ability to layer romantic nostalgia is no accident; he intricately crafts that experience in Boyhood by revisiting the name Nicole, promising viewers a sense of continuity and connection that resonates with the film’s themes.

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