Netflix is set to release its eagerly awaited one-shot crime drama series titled Adolescence on March 13, 2025, exploring compelling themes around teenage crime and its emotional repercussions. This four-part series introduces viewers to the intense and gripping story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy portrayed by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering his classmate.
Known for its avant-garde storytelling, Adolescence is directed by Philip Barantini, who reunites with Stephen Graham, the star from the acclaimed film Boiling Point, which was also celebrated for its one-shot filming technique. Graham, who plays the lead role as Eddie Miller, Jamie's father, co-created the series alongside co-writer Jack Thorne, known for his work on The Swimmers and Joy.
“Jack had never written anything like this,” remarked Barantini, referring to the distinctive style of Adolescence, which amplifies the tension through continuous takes without cuts. The series plunges the audience directly at the heart of the action, showcasing the harrowing emotions of families entangled in crime.
Set against the backdrop of societal issues surrounding knife crime, Thorne expressed the challenges he faced during production. “My resting heart rate was really high,” he told the press about the high stakes of filming this intense narrative. This series not only reflects the dark reality of teenage issues but also immerses viewers through its innovative storytelling approach.
The format of telling Jamie's story through one continuous shot is both daring and immersive, as it follows characters, including Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, played by Ashley Walters, and clinical psychologist Briony Ariston, portrayed by Erin Doherty, as they navigate the psychological ramifications of the murder charge laid against Jamie.
Barantini shared insights about the elaborate process of preparing for each episode. Featuring around 320 extras spread over several locations, the filming technique required extensive rehearsals and precise choreography. With every scene demanding flawless execution, “a really fun day was working out how long the car ride takes from the house to the police station,” Thorne said. This dedication to authenticity highlights the depth of preparation invested by the team.
Notably, the one-shot approach isn't just about showcasing technical skill; it's about enhancing storytelling. “The camera doesn’t blink in this show, and by being unblinking, it allows for a certain rawness and honesty,” Thorne elaborated. This unyielding focus on emotional realism brings audiences face-to-face with the raw sentiments tied to loss, fear, and uncertainty.
Graham and Thorne bring their past collaboration with Boiling Point and its exploration of tense kitchen realities to this next installment, shifting the lens to the challenges of youthful rage and societal expectations. This thematic connection serves not only to build upon their previous successes but also to carve out new narratives surrounding pressing issues faced by today's youth.
While other works might utilize editing tricks, Adolescence prides itself on its relentless structure, propelling viewers through the heart of each scenario as it unravels. Graham and co-stars including Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley, and newcomer Amélie Pease, navigate tumultuous relationships to seek answers amid uncertainty.
Thorne and Barantini have created something radical with this new installment, showing how technical achievements can serve the narrative instead of overshadowing it. “Emotionally it kicks you in the stomach,” Thorne described the effect of the series. The anticipation surrounding Adolescence promises to grip audiences and confront the unsettling realities of youth crime head-on.
Overall, the narrative arc of Adolescence aligns poignantly with contemporary societal challenges faced by teenagers. With its raw storytelling and innovative filmmaking style, viewers will undoubtedly be compelled to engage with this thought-provoking series when it finally graces screens on Netflix.