Hello, everyone! How’s everyone doing? Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Adolescence, which is creating quite a stir on Netflix due to its innovative filming style and compelling performances.
Adolescence made its debut on Netflix on March 13, 2025, as a gripping four-part limited series with each episode running roughly an hour. Noteworthy for its extensive use of one-take shots, each episode is filmed in a continuous take by cinematographer Matthew Lewis. Created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, this British crime drama delves into the harrowing effects of a murder charge on a working-class family.
The narrative tracks a family dealing with the accusation that their 13-year-old son committed murder, while his family, therapist, and the investigating detective all struggle to uncover the truth. This isn’t just another crime drama; it’s an intense psychological exploration of how a single accusation can dismantle everything a family cherishes.
A Family in Crisis: The Miller Family’s Struggle
The narrative kicks off when police storm the Miller household, arresting young Jamie for questioning. The central storyline revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering a female classmate. What makes the series gripping is its focus not just on the crime, but the far-reaching impact on the family and community.
The narrative structure gives viewers a front-row seat to the immediate fallout and the gradual disintegration of what the Miller family believed they knew about their son. Each episode peels back layers of mystery while exploring themes like parental guilt, societal judgment, and lost innocence.
Stephen Graham: A Father’s Quest for Answers
Stephen Graham takes on the role of a father whose world collapses when his son is accused of murdering a classmate. Known for his role in “Peaky Blinders,” Graham delivers what many consider his most powerful performance yet. His portrayal of a father facing the unimaginable shows his range as he oscillates between denial, anger, and desperate hope.
Graham’s character development is exceptional throughout the series. He begins as a devoted father who staunchly believes in his son’s innocence, but as evidence accumulates and doubt creeps in, viewers witness his internal battle between paternal love and growing uncertainty. The one-shot filming approach offers an incredibly personal view of his emotional journey.
Owen Cooper: An Emerging Talent as Jamie Miller
Owen Cooper shines as the breakout star in Netflix’s “Adolescence,” a thrilling drama featuring Stephen Graham. Hailing from Manchester, this 15-year-old actor makes his debut as Jamie Miller. Cooper’s performance is notable for capturing the complexity of a teenager trapped in an impossible situation.
Cooper stands strong for over 50 minutes per episode in continuous shots, an extraordinary accomplishment for any actor, especially a newcomer. His portrayal of Jamie balances vulnerability and potential menace, keeping viewers on edge about his true nature throughout the series.
The Pioneering One-Take Method: A Cinematic Triumph
Each episode is shot in a single, continuous take, making Adolescence a technological marvel as well as a dramatic success. This filming technique creates an unprecedented level of intimacy and tension, as viewers find themselves immersed in each scene alongside the characters. The method eliminates the safety net of multiple takes and edits, resulting in raw, authentic performances that feel almost documentary-like in their intensity.
The continuous shot format perfectly aligns with the story’s themes. Just as the family cannot escape their predicament, viewers cannot escape the developing drama. There are no interruptions in the tension, no edits to ease the mounting psychological pressure.
Netflix Triumph: Critical Praise and Audience Reaction
Adolescence debuted to critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and cinematography, with notable attention to its atmosphere and performances. The series has been lauded for its fearless exploration of challenging topics and its technical innovation. With standout performances by Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Faye Marsay, Adolescence is a TV drama with all the right elements.
The show’s examination of toxic masculinity in young men resonates with current discussions around youth violence and family dynamics. Netflix’s decision to release all four episodes at once has facilitated intense binge-watching sessions that mirror the series’ claustrophobic atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of psychological crime dramas that push the boundaries of storytelling, Adolescence is the ideal series to watch on Netflix. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a filmmaking and performance masterclass that will leave you questioning everything you think you know about family, justice, and truth.
Summary: Adolescence offers a haunting portrayal of family turmoil through innovative cinematography and stellar performances, making it a must-watch for drama lovers.
Series Specifications:
Number of Episodes: 4 episodes Platform: Netflix Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb) Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller Protagonists: Stephen Graham (Father), Owen Cooper (Jamie Miller), Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty Antagonist: The circumstances and mystery surrounding the murder charge