Netflix’s 'Adolescence' breaks new ground in crime drama; here’s why it’s unmissable

The new British crime-drama mini-series on Netflix, 'Adolescence', directed by Philip Barantini and written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, has become the talk of the town. But what makes this series stand out? Let’s take a closer look.

At first glance, 'Adolescence' seems like a typical thriller crime drama, centred around a murder with a 13-year-old boy as the prime suspect. Shocking, right? The series begins with the police bursting into the home of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played brilliantly by Owen Cooper. Jamie is arrested in connection with the murder of Katie, a girl from his school. Naturally, one might assume the story revolves around the question of whether Jamie is guilty or not. While this is an important aspect, the series is much more than that. At its core, 'Adolescence' is a character-driven drama exploring the complexity of adolescent behaviour, which is often unpredictable and deeply influenced by various factors.

The four-episode mini-series unfolds in two distinct parts. The first two episodes focus on police procedures, interrogations, and the investigation into the crime and its suspect. As the story progresses, the final two episodes shift focus to a deeper exploration of Jamie's life, his family, and the circumstances that led to the tragic event.

One of the most striking aspects of 'Adolescence' is its unique cinematography; every single episode is filmed in a single take, creating a seamless, free-flowing experience. This technique pulls us deeper into the world of the characters, making us feel like we are right there, living through the events with them. But beyond its technical brilliance, the series forces us to reflect on something much bigger: the complex, often misunderstood minds of adolescents.

'Adolescence' makes us think about how pre-teens and teenagers think, how their personalities are shaped, and how their world differs from the adults around them. And what's more, this story is universal; it applies to kids from any country. While the question of who committed the crime and what led to it is central, the real focus is on the psyche of those involved; the police, Jamie himself, his family, and the boy's clinical psychologist. We witness the deep emotional undercurrents that drive these characters, from Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller (played by writer Stephen Graham), to his mother Manda (Christine Tremarco), his sister Lisa (Amelie Pease), and his psychologist (Briony Ariston).

Another fascinating element of the series is how it reveals key plot points early on. Instead of leaving us to wonder about what happened, the show immediately lets us know, then focuses on how this uncomfortable truth is dealt with by everyone involved. Ashley Walters, who plays the investigating officer DI Luke Bascombe, brings incredible depth to his character. His grounded performance as a police officer navigating this case feels authentic and raw, especially in the way he interacts with Jamie. Through the investigation, we see that things aren't as straightforward as they first appear. The cause behind the murder isn't just about the facts; it’s about the emotional realities that adults often fail to grasp.

The series also sheds light on a truth we often overlook: in today’s digital world, young people are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information, both good and bad. The slang, the language, the social nuances, things that adults might not understand. A perfect example of this generational gap is how millennials often struggle to understand Gen Z slang, and what may seem like a harmless comment could, in fact, be an act of bullying.

'Adolescence' initially keeps us distant from understanding Jamie, but in the third episode, where he’s with his psychologist (brilliantly played by Briony Ariston), everything about him clicks. The intense scenes between them pull us in so deeply that it’s almost taxing to watch. Jamie, shows violent tendencies that unsettle us and make us reflect on how children’s minds work. Owen Cooper’s performance is exceptional, covering a range of emotions so seamlessly that we forget it’s an actor and start seeing Jamie, the accused.

The final episode shifts to Jamie’s family and how they deal with the situation. Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco deliver performances so real that we feel the pain of their situation. As outsiders, we can do nothing but watch, helpless as they struggle.

'Adolescence' is a brilliant exploration of family, psychology, and emotions, crafted in a way that feels almost real. This show will leave you thinking long after it ends. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that could very well be this year’s 'Baby Reindeer', earning its place as a standout mini-series this year.