In mid-March 2025, Netflix released a new four-part crime drama called Adolescence, and in no time at all, the show rose to the top of Netflix’s charts due to its intense nature, outstanding cinematic feats, and its deeply important story. Adolescence tells the story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who is accused of murdering his classmate. Over the course of four episodes, all of which are filmed in one single shot, we see Jamie’s arrest and the countless ways in which others are affected by it, from his family to the detectives investigating the case.
While it isn’t uncommon for certain Netflix series to earn a #1 spot on the streamer’s Top 10 Shows of the Week, Adolescence has been a particular stand-out. Mainly, this is because the show is not just gaining increased viewership, but it also has fantastic ratings from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, Adolescence debuted with a 100% critics score, and since then, it has only dropped two points, to a Certified Fresh 98%. For those who need more convincing, the following elements are what reviewers have praised about Adolescence.
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Adolescence Has Incredible Cinematography
Adolescence’s Filmmaking Makes Its Story Better
Starting off on the more technical side of things, one strength of Adolescence is its cinematography. As previously mentioned, each episode of the show is filmed in one single shot, meaning there are no cuts or edits between scenes. Though this can be a difficult feat to pull off, Adolescence does it with ease. The show is never in-your-face about this particular gag, and instead, makes everything flow much more fluidly. Audiences are forced to stay focused in the moment.
Aside from just being visually appealing and different from typical TV cinematography, Adolescence’s filmmaking techniques make the story better. The one-shot method fits the premise perfectly because viewers are almost turned into characters themselves, learning things at the same time as Adolescence’s cast does. As Screen Rant’s review puts it, “[the filmmaking] works to the show’s benefit because of the constant tension, forcing us to watch a real-time rollercoaster as new aspects of the case are unearthed.”
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Adolescence Offers Fantastic Performances
Adolescence’s Stand Out Actors Explained
Another more technical part of Adolescence’s success is its performances. Despite only having four episodes, Adolescence boasts a fairly big cast full of notable English stars, namely, Stephen Graham. Graham and his co-stars all give riveting and realistic performances that never once verge on melodrama or cliché. Truly, each and every member of Adolescence’s cast is perfectly suited to their role, giving just the right reactions that make the story feel heartbreakingly real.
Notably, Adolescence is Cooper’s very first acting role, but as Collider’s review states, “he gives one of the most incredible child performances, debut performances, performances period…”
Of course, there are a few stand-outs within Adolescence. First and foremost, there is Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie. Notably, Adolescence is Cooper’s very first acting role, but as Collider’s review states, “he gives one of the most incredible child performances, debut performances, performances period…” Alongside him, Graham as Jamie’s father, Eddie, is astonishing, navigating various emotional highs and lows. Erin Doherty also deserves a shout-out for her role as a child psychiatrist interviewing Jamie over the course of an hour-long episode.
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Adolescence Is Emotionally Raw
Adolescence Goes Far Beyond Other Crime Dramas
Really, what has made Adolescence such a notable TV series is its emotional power. Based on the premise, it is clear that Adolescence dives into heavy topics concerning murder and children, but viewers should expect more than that. The series never pulls any punches when it comes to telling its story. Through dialogue, performances, and one-shot filmmaking, Adolescence forces viewers to sit in horrible scenarios of grief, fear, and anguish. In Slate’s review of the show, it is said that “Adolescence inflicts a mood of subtle devastation that’s very difficult to shake, even long after you’ve finished watching the series.“
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Adolescence True Story: What Inspired The Netflix Crime Drama
Netflix’s crime miniseries Adolescence centers on a dark, unexpected crime that the creators shockingly found inspiration for in real life.
Adolescence’s raw intensity is what sets it apart from other crime dramas. The genre is obviously dark all on its own, but some crime dramas undermine their intensity by adding unrealistic elements or tackling so many cases that audiences become detached from the reality of them. Adolescence does neither of these things, and the results are hard to ignore. The show explores various facets of this case without any blinders on, barreling head-on into ideas that are disturbing yet incredibly realistic.
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Adolescence Tells A Fictional But Very Real Story
Adolescence’s Themes Make It A Must-Watch Series
Adolescence does not tell this dark story just for entertainment purposes; the show has very real ties to our world. By telling Jamie’s story, Adolescence explores why people commit crimes, and more particularly, how the internet affects young people and pushes them to see things that they probably shouldn’t. The Guardian puts it best when they say, “Adolescence lays bare how an outwardly normal but inwardly self-loathing and susceptible youngster can be radicalised without anyone noticing.”
Ultimately, it is these themes that make Adolescence a must-watch. The show is deeply relevant to our time and raises so many important questions about the younger generation and how they are being affected by the world. Whether you are a parent or not, Adolescence will make you think about your own childhood and your hopes for the future. Jamie’s story is a difficult one, but it is not far from the realm of possibility.
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Adolescence Is Short But Extremely Powerful
Adolescence May Be The Best Crime Drama Of The Year
All in all, Adolescence is a gripping, important story in a pretty digestible package. With only four episodes, viewers could easily binge the entire series in a day, though the emotional toll should not be underestimated. More than anything, those who are considering watching Adolescence should know that the show’s amazing Rotten Tomatoes score is not for nothing. Adolescence succeeds in countless different areas, from entertainment to realism.
Also, it is important to note that Adolescence is already being touted as one of the best crime dramas of the year. Forbes calls it “an all-time technical masterpiece” while Rolling Stone refers to the show as a “harrowing must-watch.” Knowing that we are only three months into 2025, this is incredibly high praise. Thus, before award season comes back around, audiences should definitely give Adolescence the attention it deserves.
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