Written by Siddhartha Krishnan | 4 Min Read

Adolescence is a hard-hitting British drama series that defies categorization, shifting genres across its four episodes. It begins as a police procedural, evolves into a social drama, delves into the realm of an investigative/psychological thriller, and culminates in a family drama. But it’s true novelty lies not in this fluidity, but in its multifaceted exploration of a difficult subject—examining it from every angle with unflinching depth. Equally striking is its execution, with masterful cinematography and meticulously crafted scenes that leave a lasting impact.

The miniseries wastes no time, opening with the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering his schoolmate—a girl his own age. The police claim to have enough evidence to charge him, thrusting his parents into a nightmare they never saw coming. They believe in their son’s innocence; in the values they instilled in him. This is where the contract is signed with the audience, by writers Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and what follows makes for some gripping cinema. Graham also co-creates the series, and stars as Jamie’s father. His performance is one of the highlights of Adolescence.

One of the series’ most striking feature is its use of single continuous shots—each episode, nearly an hour long, unfolds without a single cut. The sheer planning and precision required to pull off such a feat is staggering, but the payoff is undeniable. This technique immerses the audience completely, whether inside the Millers’ home, a police station, a school, or even a moving car. The cinematography heightens the urgency, drawing viewers deeper into the unfolding tension.

However, at times, the dialogue feels repetitive. This may be an intentional choice—adding to the realism and avoiding a staged feel—but in places, particularly in the second episode, it slows the momentum. A tighter edit could have sharpened the impact without losing the authenticity.

The third episode is the standout, centering on the tense interrogation of 13-year-old, Jamie (Owen Cooper) by psychologist Briony (Erin Doherty). It plays like a film in itself—raw, emotionally charged, and deeply engaging. Both actors deliver spontaneous, natural performances that heighten the episode’s intensity, making every exchange feel immediate and real.

It’s in this episode that Adolescence truly soars, unraveling its deeper intentions. When asked to classify the series, Erin Doherty cited writer Jack Thorne, saying, “It’s not a whodunnit but a whydunnit.” The show isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about understanding the motivations behind it. The creators dig deep into the psychology of their characters, examining parenting, masculinity, sexuality, peer pressure, and the relentless need for validation among teenagers in the age of social media.

Adolescence deserves to be in the Emmy conversation next year across multiple categories. Watching it, I was reminded of Baby Reindeer, another British drama that swept the 2024 Emmys. Both series tackle difficult subjects with unflinching depth, refusing to look away. And like Baby Reindeer, Adolescence is not an easy watch.

Here, the prime accused—if we were to call this a crime drama—is a teenager. The devastation his family endures is harrowing, making parts of the series deeply unsettling. Yet, it ends on a note of hope, particularly in its exploration of parenting. It confronts generational trauma—how it seeps through unnoticed, despite our best efforts, shaping us in ways beyond our control.

With its powerhouse performances, gripping screenplay, and fearless honesty, Adolescence is essential viewing—especially for parents and teenagers.

Verdict:

IMDb rating – 8.4/10

My Rating – 4/5

Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix.

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About the author:

Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’. An enthusiastic blogger he shares his articles, essays, travelogues, book and movie reviews on his blog (www.whatsonsidsmind.com).