Adolesence

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two vibrant rows of lockers in a narrow hallway.

Netflix

A must see. Adolesence, a British crime series from Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham (playing Eddie Miller), is breathtaking in it's single-shot cinematography perfection. And jaw-dropping in its discovery of an unknown actor Owen Cooper who plays the lead role of Jamie Miller, a fourteen year old arrested and accused of murder.

Shot with only two cameramen (often a single camera passed between them) the series' use of the single-shot style adds an immediacy and intimacy to the characters. Often, the camera follows the character's faces as they transition from one scene to another, allowing small opportunities for the actors to explore the inner dialogue that we can't hear but can easily imagine. Nowhere is this more beautifully done than the early scene with Graham as he's forced to watch his fourteen year old son be strip searched. Graham's is an award winning performance. Though it's early for nominations, count on Graham being nominated in several categories for an Emmy.

Keep an eye out for Cooper's nominations as well. Cooper, a complete unknown, is brilliant as Jamie Miller, managing to carry the powerful story arc on his thin shoulders. All of the cast members (including the hundreds of adolescent extras) should collectively receive a nomination for tackling, and expertly handling, the immense feat of single-shot cinematography. It should have its own category at the Emmys.

This continuous visual style enhances the aesthetics and amplifies the emotional impact of key scenes. But, it can also slow down the pacing of the show as characters meander into and out of various settings. If a character, for example, needs to climb two flights of stairs, we climb those stairs with them.

As the story unfolds, so does the depth of the plot, slowly untangling the mystery and heart break of trying to comprehend and understand a teenager committing such a violent crime. This dichotomy of teenage innocence and violence is echoed by the series visuals with the use of warm tones and cold hues highlighting themes of community and isolation. So too, the environments of rural and inner city scenes reflect vulnerability and strength.

Rich character development, a tight script, visually and logistically challenging cinematography and amazing acting deliver a punch that the zeitgeist will be feeling and talking about for awhile. Don't miss out. Adolescence is Must See TV.