Highlighting one of the most innovative American directors, this film reveals the path traveled by the auteur from his small-town Texas roots to his warm reception on the awards circuit. Long before he directed Boyhood, Richard Linklater’s intense desire to create fueled his work outside the Hollywood system. Rather than leave Texas, he chose to collaborate with like-minded artists crafting modest, low-budget films in a DIY style. His ability to showcase realistic characters and tell honest stories was evident from his films, and others soon took notice of his raw talent.

The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.

Fourteen-year-old Alice could have been the most popular kid in her small town, but her father's marriage has landed her in the "Big City". Alice immediately runs in to trouble with the school bully Rick. No matter what Alice does, Rick and his thugs are relentless in terrorizing the young girl and her new friends. The only way to put Rick in his place is to beat him at his own game, go kart racing.