Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix.
By Greg Wheeler
One-shot projects are a massive undertaking, requiring meticulous attention to technical execution, blocking, performances, and plot, all while ensuring the story remains engaging. Very few mainstream films have successfully pulled off this technique, with 1917 and Birdman standing out as rare successes. Now, Netflix has taken up the challenge with Adolescence, a one-shot TV series that uses its filming format to tell an equally complex and gripping story.
The crime drama blends melodrama, angst, investigation, and shocking confessions into a tightly wound four-episode miniseries. Starring Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and Owen Cooper, the series is helmed by Graham alongside Jack Thorne, a teen actor best known till now for a bit part in Enola Holmes.
The season follows the Millers as their lives are upended by a shocking incident. One seemingly ordinary morning, DI Bascombe is assigned the case of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a female classmate. While Jamie insists he is innocent, the police pity the family as the young boy panics, and his enraged parents argue that there must be some mistake.
At first, the investigators aim to wrap up the case quickly so Jamie can return to his normal life. But as time passes, his nervous stammering and silence in response to key questions raise doubts. His father, Eddie, soon realizes that the situation may not be as clear-cut as Jamie initially claimed.
What begins as a hopeful murder mystery with a protagonist you want to root for gradually transforms into a harrowing examination of toxic masculinity, high school bullying, teenage sexuality, and the complexities of parenting. The series holds our attention not just through its mystery and investigation but also through its impressive one-shot execution and strong performances.
The continuous take immerses the audience in the characters’ lives, making even mundane transitions between locations feel theatrical, like watching an extended one-act play. Every lingering camera movement demands attention. If the lens pauses on someone or something, it’s bound to be significant later. Every move counts, and with no room for filler, every scene must serve the story.
The true standout of Adolescence is Owen Cooper, who delivers a remarkable performance despite the challenges of filming in a single take. Over the course of 50 intense minutes per episode, he seamlessly shifts between fear, apathy, and guilt, keeping pace with seasoned actors like Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham. His portrayal of Jamie is layered. At times, he is playful and innocent. At others, he is angry and disturbed. By the end, he delivers a gripping and complex character study.
Stephen Graham’s Eddie Miller is another unpredictable figure who commands attention throughout. Graham’s performance is subtle yet powerful, capturing Eddie’s internal turmoil as he oscillates between conviction and doubt, gradually realizing that his son may not be as innocent as he first believed.
To maintain momentum when transitioning between locations, Adolescence relies on sound design. Scenes set at Jamie’s school, for example, are filled with the background chatter of students and teachers, painting a vivid picture of the environment that shaped him.
While the show does take occasional shortcuts, such as using drone shots to change locations, it remains impressive in its ability to weave a compelling narrative while carefully choreographing its one-shot approach. Ultimately, Adolescence is a must-watch for those fascinated by cinematography and the technical aspects of filmmaking, all while delivering a heartbreaking and deeply engrossing story.
I give Adolescence an A.
TV and City 