Episode #1.1

"Adolescence" S1 E1 immediately plunges viewers into a stark and unfiltered portrayal of teenage life, leaving a lasting impression with its raw intensity and compelling cinematography. The episode's strength lies in its ability to create an immersive and emotionally charged experience, even with a deliberately slow pace.

The cinematography is undeniably stunning, capturing the gritty realism of the characters' world with a raw and unflinching eye. The use of natural light and close-up shots creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the characters' emotional turmoil.

The performances are equally impressive, particularly the lead, Owen Cooper, who delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a troubled teenager. The supporting cast effectively captures the awkwardness, vulnerability, and quiet desperation of adolescence.

The episode's narrative unfolds slowly, focusing on the characters' interactions and emotional journeys. The dialogue is sparse but impactful, allowing the actors' expressions and body language to convey the unspoken emotions and internal conflicts. This slow pace is engaging, not boring.

While the deliberate pacing may not appeal to all viewers, it effectively creates a sense of realism and allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' inner lives. The episode's ending leaves you with a lingering sense of unease and a desire to see how these young individuals will navigate the challenges and uncertainties of their coming-of-age experiences.

Overall, "Adolescence" S1 E1 is a raw and emotionally charged premiere that sets the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking series. Its exceptional cinematography, nuanced performances, and deliberate pacing make it a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas with a focus on atmosphere and emotional depth.

I turned on this episode without any particular expectations, especially since I'm not a fan of shows with such little episodes.

However, this first episode hooked me from the beginning. First and foremost, the entire episode being recorded in one shot - WOW! Thanks to this method I could feel the action better, just as if I was there.

Beside that, I loved the fact the timings in the story and in the episode timer was 1:1. What I mean is that Jamie was busted at 6:15 a.m and his questioning was finished at 7:12 a.m and it took exactly 57 minutes of the episode.

It looks like the promising show and I hope it won't be destroyed later on.

To think of creating single shot is one thing then to do it for an entire hour + 3 other episodes of approximately the runtime is insane feet. For that alone, the limited series should be praised. I don't think we realise how hard it is to make few minutes worth of single shot let alone an hour long. I see tons of hate for the series due to "poor" representation of the white people, saying that this was based on a real case of a black juvenile. Personally I see no harm in that as long as the crime isn't altered in anyway. I think the actor had done an incredible job and managed to bring us out of the racial view (if anyone had one to begin with). If I had to pin on a negative, a few bad acting was bound to happen when it comes to this type of making.

Absolutely groundbreaking!

Adolescence Episode 1 is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. The entire episode was filmed with a single camera in one continuous shot - a feat that's not only technically impressive but emotionally captivating. The seamless flow of the camera creates an intense sense of immersion, pulling you directly into the raw, unfiltered reality of the characters lives.

The performances are so authentic that you almost forget you're watching fiction. The actors ability to maintain such natural, emotionally charged energy without a single cut is remarkable. The direction is bold and masterful, making every movement and piece of dialogue feel organic and intentional.

The single-shot approach adds a layer of intimacy and urgency that perfectly mirrors the chaos and vulnerability of adolescence itself. Every moment feels immediate and real, heightening the emotional stakes and drawing you into the characters struggles and triumphs.

This isn't just good television - it's an artistic achievement. Episode 1 of Adolescence sets the bar incredibly high and leaves you eager for more. A must-watch for anyone who appreciates bold storytelling and impeccable craftsmanship.

The idea for Adolescence came from actor Stephen Graham after he heard about a young schoolgirl being stabbed.

He wanted to do something to tackle knife crime among young people.

Enlisting director Philip Barantini with whom he made the one shot film Boiling Point.

The same technique is used again but this time, the one shot drama is more adventurous. In Boiling Point it was confined to one location. Here the action is set in several places but there are no invisible cuts.

The story begins with an early morning raid at a house led by DI Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters.)

The police arrest 14 year old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper.) The rest of the family are in shock and confusion as the police break down the door.

Jamie is taken down the police station by DI Bascombe. Followed by Jamie's family led by his dad Eddie (Stephen Graham) who sits in the police station interview as the appropriate adult.

Eddie knows it is something serious but his son pleads his innocence. Whatever happened is nothing to do with him.

Jamie's duty solicitor knows that a young girl was stabbed and it is a serious charge that Jamie is facing. He advises Jamie to say 'no comment' to the questioning.

The first episode in outline is a police procedural but becomes much more as the truth emerges as to the events of what occured the night before.

Although the one shot episode is a gimmick. The lighting is too dark for example. It works well here as it gives the fly on the wall feel to the proceedings.

More importantly it allows the actors to shine. For them it might as well be a stage play. One slip up and the episode had to be recorded again from the start or wait for the next complete take later on.

Owen Cooper gives an astonishing performance in his first major role.