Adolescence

Adolescence is one of the most talked about limited series of the year and it came out of nowhere. It wasn't heavily promoted or have any A-list actors yet it was so good that word of mouth made this one of the most watched limited series for Netflix. The acting, writing and directing was would made this show so good. Stephen Graham is one of the more underrated actors there is right now, he's great in just about every thing he does. He got rewarded for his work here too by winning an Emmy for best actor in a limited series. That wasn't all the awards this show won though. 15-year old Owen Cooper won best supporting actor for a limited series, Erin Doherty won best supporting actress for a limited series and the show itself won for best limited series. It also won for best writing and directing too. It just cleaned up all the awards.

There is so much about this series. The actors - I would have to remind myself that that is what they were - actors. Every one of them so genuine and convincing in their roles. The scenes from the police station, a type of environment I am acquainted with, outstanding how they captured the different personas and the roles they had. How they managed to get the youngsters play like that is beyond me. The filming, every epiode in one shot. How did no one ever cast a glance at the camera? The maneuvering of the cast around the scenes, popping up when supposed to. Again, I forget I was watching tv, I thought I was actually there.

There was no real closure to any of the episodes. Just gut-wrenching hurt. No winners. And perhaps did it not matter that we never witnessed the trial. It's besides the point.

The last episode was the hardest to watch. I just wanted it to end, the quiet and unrelenting pain of the family.

Of course there is the deeper meaning of the series, raising of children, especially in this day and age, internet, confusion, being on the outside and feeling frustration and anger against something you don't even know what is. I am pretty sure this series is more of an eye-opener to parents than to their children, who live in this reality.

I gave this a 10/10 mostly because of the cast and the filming.

Adolescence is a series that captures the turbulent and transformative years of teenage life with remarkable authenticity. The show explores themes of identity, friendship, love, and self-discovery, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and joys that define growing up.

What sets Adolescence apart is its commitment to realistic character development. Each protagonist is multidimensional, grappling with personal insecurities, family pressures, and societal expectations. The narrative avoids melodrama in favor of subtle, emotionally resonant storytelling, allowing viewers to form genuine connections with the characters' journeys.

Visually, the series employs a muted yet expressive cinematography that mirrors the emotional states of its characters, balancing moments of introspection with more dynamic scenes of teenage exuberance. The pacing is deliberate, giving space for character arcs to develop naturally while keeping the plot engaging.

The writing is both witty and empathetic, providing dialogue that feels lived-in and situations that resonate universally. Themes such as peer pressure, first love, and moral dilemmas are handled with care, making the series relatable without being preachy. The performances are compelling, particularly from the lead ensemble, whose chemistry adds depth to both comedic and dramatic moments.

Rating: 8/10 - A heartfelt and insightful series that skillfully navigates the complexities of adolescence, delivering a balanced mix of emotion, humor, and reflection.

As a parent, I found it to be an eye-opening watch-scary, puzzling, and deeply psychological. It felt genuine and painfully realistic as the motive behind the crime slowly revealed itself. The pacing of the scenes and the camera work were exceptionally well done. The dialogue was well-written, with just enough silent moments to encourage introspection and allow us to reflect on the issues raised in our own lives and experiences.

Not to mention the incredible acting-the performances were outstanding. I even went back and rewatched some parts after realizing that the young actor had never performed on screen before. What a talent-natural, captivating, and truly remarkable. An amazing start to what will hopefully be a long and successful career on screen.

Thank you!

Wanted to watch the show because I heard a 16 year old won an Emmy, but oh God was I not prepared for how this show shatters every being of you.

I can't say anything that hasn't been said already, then again I don't want to hype it up too much. It's a very simple show, simple premise executed phenomenally with great acting and the insane logistics of a one-take for each episode. Whether or not a one-shot was the best decision for each episode deserves a conversation, there were times where I think an episode could have packed more punch if it had been cut more. Then again we can't hear sound without the silence that contrasts it.

This is such a thought provoking piece of media, about the effect of media. Internet Access, Mental Health, Parenting, are all topics I'm left questioning myself with. I'm left wondering If I dodged a bullet, not having grown up with social media or the internet. I'm also rethinking my parents, the mistakes they made but also where they found success.

I don't think I'm ever watching this again, but I'll probably replay it in my Head enough times to make up for it.