“Adolescence” is a 2025 British crime drama limited series available on Netflix, co-created and written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and directed by Philip Barantini. This gripping four-part series centers on the harrowing story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl from his school. The narrative unfolds in real-time, with each episode filmed in a single, continuous shot, immersing viewers in the escalating tension and emotional chaos that follows the arrest.

The series begins with police storming the Miller family home in a Northern English town, apprehending Jamie as his parents, Eddie (Stephen Graham) and Manda (Christine Tremarco), and sister Lisa (Amelie Pease) watch in shock and disbelief. From there, it explores the ripple effects of the accusation on the family, the detectives investigating the case—Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and DS Misha Frank (Faye Marsay)—and Jamie’s clinical psychologist, Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty). Each episode shifts focus: the first depicts Jamie’s arrest and initial questioning; the second follows the police investigation at his school; the third delves into Jamie’s psychological evaluation; and the fourth examines the family’s struggle to cope months later, culminating on Eddie’s birthday as Jamie decides to plead guilty.

Beyond its crime procedural framework, “Adolescence” doubles as a profound social critique, tackling themes like toxic masculinity, the pressures of social media, cyberbullying, and the fragility of youth in a modern, interconnected world. It raises unsettling questions about what drives a seemingly ordinary teenager to commit such an act, avoiding simplistic explanations like abusive parenting or gang influence. Instead, it portrays a relatable family thrust into a nightmare, prompting viewers to reflect on societal failures and the challenges facing young men today. The one-shot technique heightens the intensity, offering no respite from the raw emotion and moral ambiguity, while the stellar performances—particularly from newcomer Owen Cooper and veteran Stephen Graham—anchor the series’ emotional weight.

Produced by Warp Films, Matriarch Productions, and Plan B Entertainment, “Adolescence” premiered globally on Netflix on March 13, 2025. It has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews, with an average score of 9.3/10, praised for its technical ambition, haunting realism, and thought-provoking narrative.