There have been many crime dramas released across the streaming platforms and on broadcast TV, and it’s easy to overlook something. There’s one on Netflix that you likely missed when it dropped in March 2025, but you need to check it out this summer.
Yes, we’re talking about Adolescence. Not only is this series well written, but it also brings up a lot of topics about the justice system. You’ll find yourself drawn into every aspect of the story from start to finish.
Adolescence tells the story of a teenager accused of murder
Told over the course of just four episodes, Adolescence brings us the story of a schoolboy who is arrested for murder. The police are certain that the boy has done it, and the way they barge into the boy’s home is scary. However, it’s clear from this point that they know they have the right person. Or at least, they think they do.
Everything is told in real time, and we don’t get to know what happened the night before. Instead, we learn of the events as the boy’s dad is learning all about it. Each character has to figure out if the boy is guilty or not, and then we get the aftermath of the incident — and that’s all I’ll say because I’m not giving away whether he was guilty or not.
Adolescence episodes are filmed in one long take
One of the biggest reasons to watch this series is because of the way it was filmed. We’re so used to seeing the story told from third-party point of view. We get to see what’s going on with others through extra shots, but that’s not the case with Adolescence. Everything is done in one long take in each episode.
It certainly brings up some questions about how this was possible. There’s a mixture of handheld cameras and drones that are used to help make the shots possible, and this method of filming certainly helps to keep you in the moment for each of the characters. It also makes it so we only know what’s going on for the characters in question.
You’re going to end up with a lot of thoughts about Adolescence and the English justice system while watching it. Keep in mind that due to some of the horrific events of the past, a 12-year-old can be tried as an adult in England depending on the severity of the crime. That’s one of the threats to keep at the back of your mind when watching this crime drama play out.
Adolescence is available to stream on Netflix.
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