Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Adolescence, which has been making waves on Netflix with its groundbreaking filming technique and powerful performances.
Adolescence premiered on Netflix on 13 March 2025, delivering a gripping four-part limited series that runs approximately one hour per episode. The series is noted for its extensive use of one-shot filming, as each episode is shot in one take by cinematographer Matthew Lewis. Created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, this British crime drama explores the devastating impact of a murder accusation on a working-class family.
The series follows a family after their 13-year-old son is accused of murder, with his family, therapist and the detective in charge all left asking what really happened. This isn’t just another crime procedural; it’s an intense psychological examination of how a single accusation can tear apart everything a family holds dear.
A Family Torn Apart: The Miller Family Crisis
The story begins when police break down the door of the Millers’ family home, and teenage Jamie is arrested and taken in for questioning. The central plot revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who stands accused of murdering a female classmate. What makes this series compelling is how it doesn’t focus solely on the crime itself, but rather on the ripple effects throughout the family and community.
The narrative structure allows viewers to witness the immediate aftermath and the slow unraveling of everything the Miller family thought they knew about their son. Each episode peels back another layer of the mystery while simultaneously exploring themes of parental guilt, societal judgment, and the loss of innocence.
Stephen Graham: A Father’s Desperate Search for Truth
Stephen Graham stars as a man whose world is shattered when his 13-year-old son is accused of murdering a female classmate. Graham, known for his work in “Peaky Blinders,” delivers what many consider to be one of his most powerful performances to date. His portrayal of a father grappling with the unthinkable showcases his range as he navigates between denial, anger, and desperate hope.
Graham’s character evolution throughout the series is masterful. He begins as a protective father who believes unwaveringly in his son’s innocence, but as evidence mounts and questions arise, viewers witness his internal struggle between paternal love and growing doubt. The one-shot filming technique allows for an incredibly intimate portrayal of his emotional journey.
Owen Cooper: A Breakthrough Performance as Jamie Miller
Owen Cooper is the breakout star of Netflix’s “Adolescence,” a gripping drama featuring Stephen Graham. This 15-year-old from Manchester makes his on-screen debut as Jamie Miller. What’s remarkable about Cooper’s performance is how he manages to convey the complexity of a teenager caught in an impossible situation.
Cooper holds his own for 50+ minutes an episode in single, continuous shots, which is an extraordinary feat for any actor, let alone a newcomer. His portrayal of Jamie walks the fine line between vulnerability and potential menace, keeping viewers guessing about his true nature throughout the series.
The Revolutionary One-Shot Technique: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Each of its episodes was shot in one continuous take, making Adolescence a technical marvel as much as a dramatic achievement. This filming approach creates an unprecedented level of intimacy and tension, as viewers feel trapped in each scene alongside the characters. The technique eliminates the safety net of multiple takes and editing, resulting in raw, authentic performances that feel almost documentary-like in their intensity.
The continuous shot format also serves the story’s themes perfectly. Just as the family cannot escape their situation, viewers cannot escape the unfolding drama. There are no commercial breaks in the tension, no cuts to provide relief from the mounting psychological pressure.
Success on Netflix: Critical Acclaim and Audience Impact
Adolescence premiered to critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and cinematography, with special attention paid to its atmosphere and performances. The series has garnered praise for its unflinching examination of difficult topics and its technical innovation. With exceptional performances from Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Faye Marsay, Adolescence has all of the ingredients for a standout TV drama.
The show’s exploration of toxic masculinity in young boys and men resonates with contemporary discussions about youth violence and family dynamics. Netflix’s decision to release all four episodes simultaneously has allowed for intense binge-watching sessions that mirror the series’ claustrophobic atmosphere.
If you love psychological crime dramas that challenge conventional storytelling methods, Adolescence is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s a masterclass in filmmaking and performance that will leave you questioning everything you think you know about family, justice, and truth.
Summary: Adolescence delivers a haunting exploration of family crisis through groundbreaking cinematography and powerhouse performances that make it essential viewing for drama enthusiasts.
Series Details:
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 accusation