Netflix has recently unveiled its powerful new drama, Adolescence, which brought both technical innovation and emotional depth to the screen through its distinct single-shot filming technique. Each of the four hour-long episodes was captured without any breaks, showcasing not only the creativity of the team behind the scenes but also the talent of its cast.
Each episode was recorded straight through, requiring weeks of intensive rehearsals. Preparations included filming them multiple times each day across the span of five days. This commitment to realism was not without its challenges, as Stephen Graham, one of the show's co-creators and stars, attested during his recent visit to Radio X. He jokingly remarked on the risks associated with this method when host Chris Moyles queried, "What if you’re 53 minutes in and someone messes up?" Graham's lighthearted response acknowledged the inevitable missteps: “Well, that's the risk you take, isn't it?”
One such mishap occurred during filming, which Graham's wife, producer Hannah Walters, humorously disclosed: "It happened in Ashley’s episode. Ashley screwed up.” Ashley Walters later confirmed he encountered difficulties prior to filming when he arrived at the set nursing a sports injury sustained during a basketball game with his daughter. He recalled, “I took it for granted... I turned up to set with a bad back. It nearly didn’t happen for me.” Fortunately, he received prompt treatment from a chiropractor who set him right just in time for shooting.
Despite these issues, the filming process proved to be very rewarding. Director Philip Barantini highlighted the improvisational aspects of the show, particularly during episode three, where teen actor Owen Cooper surprised the team with his authentic portrayal of his character, Jamie, who is depicted as a troubled boy accused of murder. Barantini explained, “Owen’s such a lovely kid... So, there were moments where I kept on saying: ‘go mad, you hate her, scream at her.’” This encouragement led to deeply impactful scenes.
Cooper's natural charm shone through even during the more intense moments. He inadvertently injected levity during one scene with his co-star, Erin Doherty, when he yawned unexpectedly. Doherty’s quick retort, “I’m sorry, am I boring you?” was not scripted but sparked genuine laughter from the crew, showcasing Cooper's vibrant talent.
After the first episode was filmed on just its second take, enthusiasm soared. Interestingly, the last episode required as many as 16 takes. The ambitious shooter and the planning for the entire production were immense, requiring not just the actors but also crew members to play extra roles when needed. This creative adaptation highlighted the dedication and resourcefulness of the team involved.
While the show received praise for its gripping storyline and stellar performances, it has also sparked questions from viewers about its conclusion. Viewers are left pondering Jamie's fate at the end, as the creators intended to leave certain storylines open-ended to highlight the true emotional impacts on Jamie’s family rather than centralizing the courtroom drama. Graham made it clear, "The aim of the show... is to shine light on the devastating impact of harmful online influences on young people.”
With tragic themes underpinning the narrative, the series captures the effects of the toxic online environment on impressionable youth. Graham emphasized parent accountability when discussing the series, urging individuals to exercise vigilance over the influences surrounding their children: “There’s influences we have no idea of, which are affecting our young culture.”
Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the co-creators, detailed their commitment to ensuring viewers understood the show’s emotional weight. They intentionally kept the specific endings of Jamie’s court proceedings vague to reinforce the narrative focus on the family. “We knew we wanted to end it where it began,” Graham reiterated, referring to the importance of finishing the story within Jamie’s bedroom.
This multifaceted approach to storytelling has endeared Adolescence to audiences. The emotionally charged narrative, coupled with the technical marvel of continuous filming, has made it one of the most impactful shows on Netflix this year.
All four episodes of Adolescence are currently available for streaming, presenting stark and important themes aimed at inciting societal reflection about online dangers and youth accountability.
