We all recognize it in movies. That moment where a teenager replaces the small scrawny kid 10 years in the future whose only resemblance to his younger self is his hair color.

When having a movie stretch over a lengthy time, it is necessary to find an array of actors to play the same character at different ages. It may take away from some of the authenticity of the character, but how else would they film the movie? Well, writer and director Richard Linklater decided to break away from that routine.

He gathered a dedicated crew and group of actors and decided to make a movie stretching over an 11-year period. Boyhood is a one of a kind coming of age drama that follows six-year-old Mason Evans Jr.’s journey to adulthood.

The unique filming process of this movie allows it to unravel the mystery of time and how it affects us. The direction and cinematography of the film allows the story to take shape itself without being forced. Boyhood will tug at your heartstrings by capturing each character’s development with their selves and the changing world around them.

In Boyhood, we see Mason, played by Ellar Coltran, grow up while encountering trials that many face in their youth. Mason questions his parent’s divorce and his mother’s choice in husbands. He struggles with the awkwardness of his physical appearance altering. He also experiences young love, peer pressure, and everything in between.

Coltrane is riveting in this role. Never does his performance feel forced or phony. Coltrane did not have to sign a contract, so he could have backed out at any time. Yet, he did not. We are able to see the once innocent, naïve Mason turn into a creative, soulful young man. Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Lorelei Linklater all bring strong personalities that help Mason shape his life.

In this film, there is not a big plot twist or action scene that movies tend to use to reel in big audiences. Critics of this movie say that it is too long and that there is not a definitive plot. But, what makes Boyhood so remarkable is its realness.

While watching this film, we are exposed to the intimate secrets of a family’s life that we do not typically see. No one’s life is filled with all the sparkle we normally see on the big screen.

Life is made up of all the little moments like getting your haircut too short, and having the awkward birds and bees talk with your dad.

There is no smoke screen in Boyhood. You see a boy grow up into the world. Boyhood is relatable and will have you recalling your own similar memories throughout the film. Linklater masterfully pulls off this project. It is seamless as each scene goes by.

Before you realize it, Mason has grown up. He has experienced the world and discovered himself.

Go see Boyhood and re-experience the beautiful, simple, and yet complicated journey to adulthood.