This film closes on Thursday, August 28th.

Boyhood follows Texas native Mason (Ellar Coltrane) from the age of seven, as he goes from being a carefree kid, through awkward adolescence to the start of his adult life. Over time, he learns to appreciate his older sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), and adapts to the whims and wants of their divorced parents, Mason Sr. and Olivia (Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette).

Centred around Coltrane’s evolving presence and organic performances, Linklater’s ambitious project was filmed over a 12-year period and is a remarkable achievement, amounting to something more than the story of one boy’s life. As it traces the story of pop culture, from Oops! . . . I Did it Again to Get Lucky, and portrays the political transition of a country from the tail-end of the divisive Bush Jnr. years beyond the “Yes We Can!” promise of Obama’s election victory, Boyhood presents itself as a film of genuine substance and significance, an immediate American classic. (Notes by Michael Hayden.)

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★★★★★ The Irish Times ★★★★★ Irish Independent ★★★★★ The Guardian