Okay TV lovers you HAVE to hear about this new Netflix series called Adolescence . Critics are absolutely raving about it. Like seriously perfect scores raving. Some are even saying it's the closest thing to TV perfection in decades. Big claims right? So what's all the fuss about?
'Adolescence' on Netflix: A Crime Drama That's More Than Just a Gimmick (But That Gimmick is Cool Too!)
Adolescence is a British crime drama limited series which are usually amazing by the way. It throws you right into a seriously intense story. Imagine this nightmare scenario police bust into a family home and arrest their 14-year-old son Jamie for murder. His classmate Katie is dead and Jamie is the prime suspect.
The show follows the investigation as detectives try to piece together what happened. But it's not just a typical whodunnit. We actually find out pretty early on that Jamie did it. Yep no mystery there. The real question Adolescence grapples with is WHY. What pushed a kid to do something like this?
Single Take Brilliance and Award-Worthy Performances: What Makes 'Adolescence' So Special
One thing that makes Adolescence stand out is its technical style. Each of the four episodes is filmed in a single continuous shot. Think of those super long takes you sometimes see in movies but stretched out for an entire hour of TV. It's ambitious for sure. But it is not just a gimmick. The single-take style really pulls you into the story and creates this feeling of tension and immediacy. It's like you are right there in the room with the characters as everything unfolds.
And speaking of characters the performances in Adolescence are next level. Stephen Graham who you might recognize from Boardwalk Empire and tons of other stuff plays Jamie's dad Eddie. He is incredible showing this dad's disbelief and then heartbreaking grief. Ashley Walters is DI Luke Bascombe the lead detective and he nails the weary and maybe a bit cynical cop vibe. Erin Doherty plays child psychologist Briony and she is amazing in this intense episode-long interview scene with Jamie.
But the real breakout star here is Owen Cooper who plays Jamie. This is his first ever acting role! And he is phenomenal. He manages to be both unsettling and vulnerable capturing this teenage boy who might be heading down a really dark path. His scenes with Erin Doherty are intense. It is like watching two acting heavyweights go head-to-head even though one is a total newcomer.
Toxic Masculinity and the Online World: 'Adolescence' Tackles Tough Issues Head-On
Adolescence is not just a crime show it is also tackling some really important and timely themes. The series dives into the world of teenage boys online and how toxic ideas can spread. They touch on "incel" culture and how young men can get influenced by really messed up views about women. It is a bit scary and definitely makes you think.
The show suggests that adults even well-meaning parents and detectives are often clueless about what is really going on in this online world that teenagers inhabit. Emojis in Katie's Instagram comments become a crucial clue and it takes the detective's teenage son to even understand what they mean. It highlights this gap between generations and how hard it is for adults to keep up with the online lives of kids.
Why You Should Watch 'Adolescence' on Netflix:
- Perfect Critic Scores: Seriously 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. That's rare and usually means a show is doing something right.
- Single-Take Episodes: It's a technical feat and it really enhances the drama making you feel like you are in the scene.
- Amazing Performances: Stephen Graham Erin Doherty Ashley Walters and newcomer Owen Cooper are all incredible.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The show explores toxic masculinity online influences and difficult questions about modern adolescence.
- Short and Sweet: Only four episodes means it is a quick and powerful binge-watch.
- British Crime Drama Goodness: If you are a fan of British crime shows you know they often deliver top-notch quality and intense stories.
Is 'Adolescence' TV Perfection? See for Yourself on Netflix!
So is Adolescence truly TV perfection? That's a big statement to make. But critics are definitely saying this show is something special. It's intense it's thought-provoking it's technically impressive and the acting is phenomenal. If you are looking for a crime drama that is more than just your average procedural Adolescence might be exactly what you need. Just be prepared it is not always an easy watch. But it is definitely a worthwhile one. Check it out now streaming on Netflix!