In mid-March 2025, Netflix released a new four-part crime drama calledAdolescence, 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.Adolescencetells 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,Adolescencehas 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,Adolescencedebuted 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 aboutAdolescence.
5Adolescence Has Incredible Cinematography
Adolescence’s Filmmaking Makes Its Story Better
Starting off on the more technical side of things, one strength ofAdolescenceis 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,Adolescencedoes 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’sfilmmaking techniques make the story better. The one-shot method fits the premise perfectly becauseviewers are almost turned into characters themselves, learning things at the same time asAdolescence’scast does. AsScreen Rant’sreviewputs 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.”
4Adolescence Offers Fantastic Performances
Adolescence’s Stand Out Actors Explained
Another more technical part ofAdolescence’ssuccess is its performances. Despite only having four episodes,Adolescenceboasts a fairly big cast full of notable English stars, namely, Stephen Graham.Graham and his co-stars all give riveting and realistic performancesthat never once verge on melodrama or cliché. Truly, each and every member ofAdolescence’scastis perfectly suited to their role, giving just the right reactions that make the story feel heartbreakingly real.
Notably,Adolescenceis Cooper’s very first acting role, but asCollider’sreview states, “he gives one of the most incredible child performances, debut performances, performances period…”
Of course, there are a few stand-outs withinAdolescence.First and foremost, there is Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie. Notably,Adolescenceis Cooper’s very first acting role, but asCollider’sreviewstates, “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.
3Adolescence Is Emotionally Raw
Adolescence Goes Far Beyond Other Crime Dramas
Really, what has madeAdolescencesuch a notable TV series is its emotional power. Based on the premise, it is clear thatAdolescencedives 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,Adolescenceforces viewers to sit in horrible scenariosof grief, fear, and anguish. InSlate’sreviewof 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.”
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’sraw intensity is what sets it apartfrom other crime dramas. The genre is obviously dark all on its own, butsome crime dramasundermine their intensity by adding unrealistic elements or tackling so many cases that audiences become detached from the reality of them.Adolescencedoes 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.
2Adolescence Tells A Fictional But Very Real Story
Adolescence’s Themes Make It A Must-Watch Series
Adolescencedoes not tell this dark story just for entertainment purposes; the show has very real ties to our world. By telling Jamie’s story,Adolescenceexplores why people commit crimes, and more particularly, how the internet affects young peopleand pushes them to see things that they probably shouldn’t.The Guardianputs 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 makeAdolescencea 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,Adolescencewill 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.
1Adolescence Is Short But Extremely Powerful
Adolescence May Be The Best Crime Drama Of The Year
All in all,Adolescenceis 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 watchingAdolescenceshould know that the show’s amazing Rotten Tomatoes score is not for nothing.Adolescencesucceeds in countless different areas, from entertainment to realism.
Also,it is important to note thatAdolescenceis already being touted as one of the best crime dramasof the year.Forbescalls it “an all-time technical masterpiece"whileRolling Stonerefers 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 giveAdolescencethe attention it deserves.
