Boyhood · written by Richard Linklater · 2014

The family listens as the preacher tells the story of Thomas and speaks about believing without seeing.

Scene 118 of 160 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Preacher

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 2:00 into a 3:02 film

The story so farBefore scene 118

As his mother’s homes and relationships change, Mason grows from a restless child into a young photographer learning to choose his own direction before leaving for college.

Scenes 1–11
Mason’s world is a child’s local orbit of school, siblings, play, and a family not yet displaced.
Scenes 12–23
The move exposes Mason’s wish to keep his friends and stay connected to his absent father while Olivia seeks a more secure life.
Scenes 24–74
Mason enters successive new family arrangements: Dad’s return, Olivia’s marriage to Bill, and finally escape from Bill’s house.
Just before
Scene 115
Samantha and Mason practice shooting with Dad and Grandpa Cliff, and Mason hits the flying wood target on his second try.
Scene 116
Dad, Annie, Samantha, and Mason perform a homemade family song for Nana and Grandpa Cliff on the porch.
Scene 117
A week-later church service is announced from outside the small country church.
Scene 118
This scene

118INT. CHURCH - DAY

The preacher stands at the front of the church holding an open bible. The family sits among the congregation. Mason is wearing his new suit.

PREACHER

"I won't believe it until I put my

finger into his side and I'm gonna

see those nail prints in his hands."

Poof! About that time, here comes

Jesus, standing right next to him.

Okay? And he turns to Thomas. Don't

you know Thomas felt some shame?

And he turns to Thomas and says,

"Thomas, here, stick your finger in

my side. Look at these nail prints.

It's me." And Thomas says, "My Lord,

and my God, I believe."

Annie's parents nod in agreement.

PREACHER (CONT'D)

And Jesus said, "Well, that's good.

But blessed are those who can believe

without seeing." It's a lot easier

when you can see, and feel, and touch.

But like us, we haven't seen him in

the flesh. We haven't felt him in

the flesh. But we have experienced

him in the spirit. At least I have,

and I hope y'all have too.