Introduction
Netflix’s UK division continues to prove its expertise in delivering high-quality storytelling, breaking barriers in long-form programming. After successes like One Day and The Gentlemen, the platform has released two exceptional new shows this year. Among them is Adolescence, a psychological thriller co-created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham. Directed by Philip Barantini, this intense exploration of masculinity and urban alienation stands out not just as a standout series of the year, but perhaps the decade.
The Plot
The story begins with the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. Despite overwhelming evidence, his family—father Eddie, mother Manda, and sister Lisa—denies his guilt. The opening sequence is filmed in a single unbroken shot—a hallmark of Barantini’s direction—portraying the arrest and the emotional wreckage it leaves in its wake. The non-stop filming technique, or oners, continues through all four episodes, creating a gripping real-time narrative.
From the arrest to Jamie’s imprisonment, each episode builds tension while capturing the claustrophobic experiences of the characters. The realism and urgency Barantini achieves through this format anchor the audience to the story’s emotional intensity.
Episode Breakdowns
Episode One: The Arrest
The first episode sets the stage with Jamie’s arrest and the aftermath unraveling his family’s life. A public defender comforts the family and prepares Jamie for interrogation, which is conducted by DI Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and DS Frank (Faye Marsay). The truth is ambiguous: Jamie insists on his innocence, and clues tantalize viewers into speculation. Through relentless close-ups and unbroken shots, Adolescence makes it nearly impossible to look away from the soul-crushing realism.
Episode Two: Investigating the School
The second episode shifts the focus to Jamie and Katie’s school, highlighting systemic flaws in the UK’s public education system. DI Bascombe and DS Frank comb through classrooms, interacting with students and staff alike, searching for clues about Jamie’s motives. The camera’s seamless tracking immerses viewers in the labyrinth of corridors until we know the geography of the school by heart. The episode ends with a jaw-dropping cinematic feat—the camera floats above the town, landing in the park where Katie died, capturing Eddie standing in chilling contemplation of the crime scene.
Episode Three: Inside Detention
Set seven months later, the penultimate episode unfolds in a single room within Jamie’s juvenile detention center. Here, a psychiatrist (Erin Doherty) assesses Jamie’s mental state. She’s torn between her growing empathy for Jamie and her duty to assess him objectively. This taut, intimate encounter showcases Owen Cooper’s incredible talent as Jamie, capturing his complex oscillation between vulnerability and defiance. Comparisons to Edward Norton’s performance in Primal Fear are inevitable, as Cooper proves to be a revelation.
Episode Four: Family Drama and Resolution
Rather than focusing on the courtroom drama many might anticipate, Adolescence chooses an introspective approach for its finale. Not unlike Fran Kranz’s Mass, the episode unfolds as an intimate family drama, addressing themes of alienation, mental health, and guilt. It unveils the truth behind the tragic night Jamie followed Katie into the park, delivering a haunting climax that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a bold, unforgettable ending fitting for a show that defies conventions.
Cinematic Brilliance
Director Philip Barantini, along with cinematographer Matthew Lewis, meticulously crafts Adolescence with visual ingenuity. Each unbroken shot serves a purpose beyond the aesthetic, pulling viewers into the narrative’s emotional core. The show’s technical achievements are matched by stellar performances from the ensemble cast. Stephen Graham as Eddie and Erin Doherty as the psychiatrist bring depth to their roles, while Owen Cooper’s breakout performance ensures him a place in the industry’s spotlight.
Themes and Impact
Adolescence delves deep into parenthood, teenage rebellion, mental illness, and societal failure. It critiques systemic issues while remaining profoundly human, encouraging viewers to contemplate their roles within similar cycles of despair and misunderstanding. The show’s ability to weave such heavy themes into a taut psychological thriller is commendable.
FAQs
What makes Adolescence unique among television dramas?
Adolescence stands out due to its use of unbroken shots, immersive storytelling, and its bold thematic exploration of masculinity, alienation, and trauma. The show’s ability to merge cinematic techniques with a deeply personal narrative makes it a landmark achievement.
Who is the standout performer in Adolescence?
Owen Cooper, the young actor playing Jamie Miller, steals the show with his transformative performance, oscillating seamlessly between innocence and menace.
Is Adolescence based on a true story?
No, the plot is fictional. However, its portrayal of societal issues and family dynamics is rooted in real-world experiences and challenges.
How many episodes does the series have?
The series consists of four episodes, each exploring different stages of the incident and its repercussions.
Why should I watch Adolescence?
If you appreciate intense psychological dramas with groundbreaking cinematography, exceptional acting, and thought-provoking themes, Adolescence is a must-watch.
Final Thoughts
Adolescence is not just a show; it’s an experience. Its relentless pacing, innovative direction, and profound storytelling make it a defining moment in modern television. It’s a searing examination of humanity’s darkest edges, brought to life by a remarkable cast and crew. A triumph on every level, it deserves to be celebrated as one of the best shows of the year.
