Netflix drama Adolescence’s ‘immersive’ trick isn’t a gimmick – it’s vital

Every once in a while, a TV drama comes around that completely knocks you for six.

Adolescence might not be out yet on Netflix, but we can guarantee that this harrowing show – which follows a 13-year-old boy and his family after he’s accused of murdering a girl from his school – will leave you shaken.

Starring Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco and 15-year-old newcomer Owen Cooper, the four-part series is filmed in a unique and immersive way, with each episode consisting of a single continuous shot that doesn’t cut away once.

Ahead of its launch, Metro spoke to the lead cast members, director Philip Barantini and writer Jack Thorne to discuss the importance of the conversations being sparked by this drama and why the one-shot style of filming was vital to the story.

While watching Adolescence, it’s incredible to think how the crew achieved such complex shots, from 13-year-old Jamie (Owen) being arrested at his home to being transported to the police station and then undergoing intense interrogations… all without cutting away.

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Philip, who also directed the 2019 film Boiling Point in one shot, explained why this filming technique isn’t a ‘gimmick’, but a tool to draw the audience in to an even greater degree and ‘force them to pay attention’.