By Sania Syed
Los Angeles, Calif.

Despite lacking the cinematic effects audiences have come to expect in major motion pictures, “Boyhood” manages to keep audiences enthralled. A fictional drama directed and written by Richard Linklater, the movie uses an unusual concept: It was filmed over the course of 12 years — using the same actors as they aged in real time to tell the story of a small child growing into a student entering college. As a result, one word encompasses the entire movie: realistic.

The film follows the life of Mason, Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) from age 6 through 18, beginning with his move to Houston with his single mother Olivia (Patricia Arquette) and older sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater). In the movie, Mason transitions through many situations, ranging from assimilating to new environments to learning how alcoholism contributes to domestic violence. Mason’s character changes from curious to careless in adolescence, but later matures into an intellectual artist. The movie also depicts his improving relationship with his estranged father (Ethan Hawke) and the evolution of his mother’s social standing. Continue reading →