Adolescence is a British crime drama miniseries written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, directed by Phillip Barantini. The miniseries premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025. The series is not based on a true story however, it is based on the increase in knife crime violence in Britain, including the murders of Elianne Andam and Ava White. Because of this, the drama was created to explore the motivation of violence against girls by young boys.
The concept of the series revolves around a 13-year-old boy who is suspected of murdering one of his female classmates. There are 4 episodes that are told in real-time, one-shot style filming.
On episode 1, we see police breaks down the door of a family home and arrest Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old-boy for suspicion of murder. As the investigation proceeds, you get to see everything that goes on in real-time from beginning to end. This show is captivating, immersive, intense, thought-provoking from start to finish. The scenes were well executed as if you were right there in the same room with the characters, experiencing all real raw emotions.
The storytelling, acting, cinematography is beautifully written and the dialogue between all the characters involve are all fascinating to watch. Especially, Jamie’s character development from episode 1 to episode 3, where you truly get to see his real unsettling complexity of his character comes to life. In addition, to his depth and realism that is bought to not only Jamie role but, his parents, classmates and all that are involve.
Lastly, the writers accomplished their goal of bringing awareness but most importantly, understanding the psychology behind boys and young men having to find a good path in life before things get worse if left uncheck. This series is a must watch though, its not for everyone.
