Richard Linklater has again shown that he is incredibly patient and dedicated when bringing human stories to cinematic life. His latest film, Boyhood, showing at Sydney Film Festival with a release date later this year, took a mind-blowing 12 years to film.

Using the same cast as they have grown and aged, it is like nothing I have ever encountered. Boyhood feels less like a film and more like an intimate journey shared closely with a family over many years.

As viewers, we have become conditioned to accept (or suspend our disbelief) when different actors play characters at progressing stages in their life. To have the same actors literally grow before our eyes, in a timespan of more than a decade, creates an emotional and narrative depth and connection that cannot be faked.

Linklater explores this journey primarily through the eyes of Mason Junior. When we first meet little Mason and his sister as very young children, their parents have split up, and their mum is battling against the challenges of raising her children alone.

We are taken through various life events: from initially post his parent’s split, through his mother’s various loves (and a step family), his mother’s attempt to better herself through returning to education, her eventual graduation and divorce, and career development.

Each life event or phase explores how Mason and his sister experience them, and how it evolves their relationship with each respective parent. Eventually, we leave this family with both siblings fully grown, and the now adult Mason entering the world of college.

Boyhood is a story about growing up, about the way our relationships change throughout our lives, and the journey of a family that is dealt their fair share of adversity. They are an average family, experiencing many of the challenges faced by sadly too many.

Young parenting, unemployment, single parenting, poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism and how to overcome the adversity each presents, forms the basis of the story.

As in life, there are times that the characters are likable and at other times less so; there is a maturing and forgiveness, a growth and an understanding that builds. Mistakes are made and redeemed, and life goes on.

It’s a detailed portrait and a wonderful cinematic experience. At just under three hours it requires a little commitment, but I think the reward is worth it.

Directed by: Richard Linklater
Starring: Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane and Ethan Hawke
Rating: 18+
Runtime: 164 minutes
Release Date: TBA
Reviewer rating: 4 stars