Adolescence Review
I just wrapped up watching Adolescence on Netflix, and honestly? It’s one of the best limited series I’ve seen on any streaming platform. The story, the subject matter, and the screenplay are all top-notch — but what blew me away was the acting.
Here’s something that makes this series even more impressive: each of the four episodes is shot in a single take. Yep, no cuts, no camera tricks, no clever editing. Just pure, unfiltered performances captured in real time. And it’s not just a gimmick — it adds an incredible layer of authenticity to the story.
Episode 3, in particular, left me speechless. The 13-year-old lead spends a full hour talking to a psychiatrist, going through a whirlwind of emotions, slowly unraveling his character. And the kicker? This wasn’t pieced together from multiple takes. It’s one continuous shot. I mean, even if this had been filmed in segments, his performance would’ve been award-worthy — but to pull that off in a single take? Unreal. And get this — not only was this his first acting gig, but Episode 3 was the first thing they filmed. Let that sink in.
Most thrillers are all about “who did it?”, but Adolescence flips the script and asks, “why did it happen?” Episode 1 gives you the details of the crime upfront, but the real story unfolds in the following episodes as they dive into the motives behind the act. It’s a deep, thought-provoking look at how tragic events affect not just the person involved but also the people around them.
The cinematography deserves just as much praise. Pulling off an entire series in single takes is no easy task, and the way the camera moves — handheld, raw, and constantly in motion — adds so much tension and realism. It makes you feel like you’re right there, living through the moments with the characters.
Adolescence isn’t something you casually watch while scrolling on your phone. It demands (and deserves) your full attention. The layers in the dialogue, the subtle expressions, and the emotional depth take a couple of viewings to fully sink in. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Highly recommended — especially for parents of young kids. It’s a powerful reminder of the unseen struggles kids go through and the importance of understanding them. Don’t miss this one.
