Watch Yosemite

Yosemite, released in 2015, is a dramatic film that takes place in the scenic backdrop of the famous Yosemite National Park. The movie is set in the mid-1980s, and the narrative follows the lives of three young boys who are on the cusp of adolescence as they embark on a journey of self-discovery in the wilderness. The film revolves around the lives of three friends, Chris, Joe, and Alex, who are growing up in a small Californian town. The three boys are inseparable, and they spend most of their time together in the park, exploring its vast expanse, and engaging in childish pranks. However, as they begin middle school, their friendships, and their sense of invincibility begin to crumble. Each one of them, in their way, struggles to come to terms with the challenges that come with adolescence.

The first storyline follows 10-year-old Alex, played by Alec Mansky. Alex is obsessed with death and searches for a way to understand the concept. His search leads him to a nearby retirement home, where he meets an elderly woman who he believes will teach him more about death. Meanwhile, his parents were struggling to save their marriage, and Alex finds himself struggling with the idea of mortality.

The second storyline follows Joe, played by Everett Meckler, a more reserved and introverted member of the group. He becomes increasingly fascinated with a bully at school and begins to follow him to learn more about the bully's life outside of school. Joe's interest in the bully becomes an obsession that eventually leads to a confrontation that changes his relationship with his friends.

Lastly, the third storyline follows Chris, played by James Franco, who lives in a broken home with his alcoholic mother. Chris is a reckless daredevil who frequently puts himself in danger. His careless behavior frustrates his friends, and the sense of isolation he feels at home compounds his problems.

Throughout the film, the three boys' journeys are closely interwoven, and their friendship ultimately helps them navigate through the challenges of growing up. While the film portrays the boys' struggles with a certain level of poignancy, it also features moments of humor, especially in the interactions between the boys. The stunning natural backdrops of Yosemite National Park add to the film's visual appeal and serve as a constant reminder of the boys' innocence and the beauty of life.

Yosemite is directed by Gabrielle Demeestere, a rising female filmmaker in Hollywood. The film is an adaptation of James Franco's short story collection, A California Childhood, and was co-written by Demeestere and Franco. The movie's themes are universal, exploring the coming-of-age of three boys in a beautiful yet perilous setting. The characters' struggles with their emotions, friendships, and family dynamics are relatable to anyone who has gone through the rollercoaster of adolescence.

Overall, Yosemite is a compelling portrayal of the trials and tribulations of growing up. The film's stunning natural settings, coupled with the resonant themes, make this a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and touching film about growing up.

Yosemite is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7 and a MetaScore of 59.