Teen dramas are nothing new, but every now and then, a series crashes onto the scene with such raw force, it begs attention. Enter Adolescence, Netflix’s new four-part miniseries, which dares to tread where others hesitate. Blending cinematic innovation with an emotionally fraught storyline, this British production has sparked both admiration and debate. So the burning question remains—does Adolescence deliver something extraordinary, or is it just another moody teen drama that drags on too long?
Let’s break down what the critics have to say.
What Adolescence Gets Right
While the subject matter might be heavy, Adolescence does quite a few things exceptionally well. It’s not just a show—it’s a technical experiment that dares to innovate.
- Breathtaking Cinematography The entire series unfolds in four continuous, single-shot episodes. That means no visible cuts. It creates a nerve-wracking, immersive tension, pulling viewers directly into the moment. Critics from Forbes called it an “all-time technical masterpiece.” And really, it is.
- Outstanding Performances Young newcomer Owen Cooper, playing the central character Jamie Miller, doesn’t just act—he embodies the role. From trembling fear to quiet rage, every emotion comes through. The Guardian praised his performance, calling it one of the most compelling seen in recent years.
- Relevant and Relatable Themes This isn’t just about teen angst. The show dives into toxic masculinity, internet radicalization, peer pressure, and social media influence. It doesn’t flinch. Reuters even reported that British educators found it so impactful, it may be screened in schools. That’s saying something.
Where Adolescence Stumbles
Despite its brilliance, the show isn’t without flaws. And some of them could turn potential fans away.
- Emotionally Overwhelming The intensity is relentless. There’s very little room to breathe, which can make the experience emotionally draining. The New Yorker found it “flawed at the heart”—not because it’s bad, but because it’s heavy and unrelenting.
- Pacing Feels Off at Times The one-shot format, while visually stunning, sometimes backfires. Certain scenes linger too long. There’s no rhythm break, so moments that should hit hard can end up dragging instead. Slant Magazine pointed this out, noting occasional slow spots.
- Lack of Closure The narrative doesn’t wrap up neatly. It offers no simple answers, which some viewers might find unsatisfying. Rotten Tomatoes reviews reflected a split on this point—some called it bold, others frustrating.
Verdict: Is Adolescence BRNG?
Let’s cut to the chase: No, Adolescence is far from boring. It’s an experience—one that grips and doesn’t let go. But it’s not for everyone. Viewers looking for easy entertainment or emotional comfort might find it too much to handle. On the other hand, those who crave bold storytelling and fearless direction will likely walk away deeply impressed.
Based on critic reviews, viewer reactions, and overall impact, the show earns a strong score.
Score: 8.7/10
It’s powerful, intense, and technically brilliant—but make sure you’re ready for the emotional ride.
