Boyhood is a one-off; a groundbreaking cinema project. Produced over 12 years, the film charts the experiences of an American family through daily life as seen through the eyes of Mason (played by newcomer Coltrane) who grows up from a six-year-old boy to an 18-year-old man on screen, literally. With estranged parents (seasoned performers Arquette and Hawke) and sister Samantha (Linklater) the film follows the tumultuous familial ups and downs of Mason’s childhood from kinder to college.

The concept of filming over a 12-year period, for three to four days each year, is extraordinary. What I found fascinating is that the film isn’t a documentary but a narrative film, written by director Richard Linklater who sensitively manoeuvres his cast as they age through different phases of their lives. The characters are seen to age subtly and there is a seamless transition from one time period to another.

Key to the film’s authenticity is Coltrane’s sensitive and touching performance as Mason – you can’t help but feel a bond with his character from the beginning. Boyhood’s delicate plot is inspired by circumstances we all may have experienced in life, in one way or another. Heartwarming, intimate, realistic, sad, but ultimately uplifting, the film bears witness to the daily challenges of growing up and parenting. Running at a longish 166 minutes, better take your cushion (and some Kleenex) for this one.