Netflix’s latest crime drama, Adolescence, has taken the streaming world by storm, debuting at #1 despite little promotion or star power. What it does have, however, is a jaw-dropping 100% critic score and a filmmaking technique that has left audiences in awe.
The four-episode Netflix series follows a teenager accused of murdering his classmate, but what sets it apart is its ambitious storytelling—each episode is filmed in a single, uninterrupted take. Directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point), Adolescence delivers a tense, real-time viewing experience that brings viewers directly into the heart of the story. The format forces an unflinching look at every detail, making the audience feel like they are living through the events alongside the characters.
Each hour-long episode unfolds from a different perspective, capturing the accused teen’s arrest, his family’s emotional turmoil, and the unfolding investigation. The first episode alone is a masterclass in tension, opening with a SWAT team storming the suspect’s home, following the ride to the police station, and continuing through the entire booking and interrogation process—all without a single cut. It’s a feat of cinematography, acting, and direction that makes for an immersive and deeply unsettling viewing experience.
Co-creator Stephen Graham, who also stars as the accused boy’s father, delivers a powerhouse performance, bringing raw emotion to the role of a parent grappling with every family’s worst nightmare. The cast’s ability to sustain such intense performances over unbroken hour-long takes is a testament to their skill and dedication. One particular episode, which centers entirely on an extended police interview, features an astonishing two-person performance that plays out in real time, with no breaks, no cuts—just pure, gripping drama.
Beyond its technical brilliance, Adolescence is also an emotionally harrowing experience. The series doesn’t just explore the legal implications of the crime but delves deep into the psychological and emotional toll on everyone involved. The grief, fear, and desperation of the characters feel all too real, making this an unforgettable and, at times, difficult watch.
With its innovative storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning cinematography, Adolescence is not just another crime drama—it’s a groundbreaking cinematic achievement that pushes the boundaries of television. For fans of intense, high-stakes storytelling, this is a must-watch. Netflix has delivered something truly special, and it’s hard to imagine where creators Barantini and Graham will go from here—but after this, audiences will surely be eager to follow.
