The recently launched Netflix series Adolescence has rapidly gained popularity across social media platforms. Directed by Philip Barantini, this four-episode series premiered on Netflix on March 13 and has swiftly ascended to the top position globally. This remarkable achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the show features primarily new talent and received minimal promotional efforts. The surge in interest can be attributed to the enthusiastic reviews and extensive word-of-mouth recommendations that have circulated in recent days.

Here are three compelling reasons why it deserves to be at the top of your viewing list.

Adolescence has great performances

Co-created and penned by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, Adolescence narrates the tale of a family fractured by the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) for the murder of a girl at his school. Is he truly guilty? His parents refuse to believe it. Meanwhile, the police investigate the motive behind the crime. The series unfolds in a unique format, with each episode presented in a single continuous shot, allowing viewers to engage intimately with the characters.

The entire cast delivers remarkable performances, but it is Owen Cooper, a newcomer, who stands out with his compelling portrayal. As the accused boy asserting his innocence in the face of a serious charge, Cooper skillfully transitions from naivety to composure, and from vulnerability to intimidation, all within a few fleeting expressions. It is a captivating performance. Additionally, Stephen Graham excels as the grieving father, struggling to comprehend or accept his perceived failures.

Spectacular cinematography, shot in a single take

The one-shot technique initially seems astonishing, particularly because the camera rarely remains stationary. It tracks the characters, follows them inside a vehicle, and in a remarkable sequence towards the conclusion of the second episode, it transitions from one location to another without any cuts. How was this achieved in a single shot?

Cinematographer Matthew Lewis explained to Variety that extensive preparation was essential, especially for the second episode set within a school filled with over a hundred children. “After the school episode, we connected to a drone that ascended and then landed in a car park. This was a last-minute request from the executives. Initially, we planned to take off and remain airborne, but they suggested it would be impactful to return and find Stephen Graham at the end of the scene. We had a couple of days to figure it out, and we managed to do it,” he stated.

Additionally, Philip Barantini mentioned to Netflix, "Essentially, we start recording on the camera and do not stop until the hour concludes. However, it is far more complex than it appears. It requires months of planning, weeks of rehearsals, and an exceptional team to execute it successfully at every phase, from the script to the locations, production design, and the precise positioning and angles of the camera.”

Netflix UK & Ireland also provided a series of Q&A sessions to elaborate on the filming process. You can find more details here:

Gripping and relevant story

While Adolescence showcases remarkable technical prowess, the core narrative of the series deserves significant focus. The show examines a specific case to highlight the pervasive misogyny and the impact of social media on today’s youth. Are parents aware of their children's online activities? Do they understand the dynamics of their children's classroom environments? Who holds sway over these young individuals? Adolescence thoroughly explores these pressing issues, particularly in the third episode, where Jamie undergoes questioning by a therapist portrayed by Erin Doherty. This episode stands out as one of the most compelling hours of television in recent years. The relevance of Adolescence is underscored by its exploration of the universal challenges of parenting, societal expectations, and unrestrained male aggression. It is an essential viewing experience.

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