We’re moving through toward Spring, which means we’re getting plenty of interesting new shows to watch. But which of these shows are worth the time investment? Let this series help be your guide as we give you all the information you need to make an informed viewing decision. Today it’s a limited series on Netflix.
Series: Adolescence
Where to Find It: All four episodes are now streaming on Netflix
What’s It About: Every parent’s worst nightmare is finding their child on the hook for some terrible crime. That lies at the heart of this stirring new limited series created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne. It’s an exploration of the aftermath of a crime, with each episode focusing on a specific group and a specific point-in-time.
In the pilot, we begin with 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) being taken in a raid by police. That leaves his parents (Graham and Christine Tremarco) thrown for a loop. They can’t believe it’s happening. At the station, Jamie is assigned a lawyer while his father serves as his custodial parent. He maintains his innocence. But is he?
The four episodes explore the case from different angles, focusing on the Miller family, the friends of the victim, the police assigned, and the aftermath for the community. It’s a fascinating exploration of a series crime from all sides, the tragedy left in the wake of a violent act.
You Should Try It If: You’re a fan of stirring dramas, crime stories, or well-crafted series.
One Man’s Opinion of Adolescence
This is a big swing. Not only is it a tough and interesting subject matter, but it’s also got a unique approach to craft. Each of the episodes, which were directed by Philip Barantini, take place in one continuous shot. That keeps the action tight and provides something of a real time feel for the episodes. Meaning, each episode takes a one-hour bite out of different phases of the crime and its aftermath, beginning with the night of and going through 13 months later.
But the craft isn’t the only standout here. The work done by the cast and the writing from Graham, who is one of the series’ best stars, and Thorne is tight. The use of music and the way this story weaves together different perspectives holds your gauze and keeps you locked on to the action. It’s a fascinating, well-crafted, and emotionally intense journey through this incident.
There are several standouts among the cast, too. Graham delivers a beautiful performance with exceptional scenes in the first and fourth episode, as well as an emotional gut-punch to cap the second episode. In the third episode, Jaime has a one-on-one with a counselor, played by Erin Doherty. Both Doherty and Cooper are exceptional in taut episode that is, perhaps, the best of the series.
I was blown away by the combination of story and craft with this series, devouring it in a single day. My guess is once you start it, this will be your next binge, too. It’s one of the year’s best so far and well worth the investment.