Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ Earns Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Must-Watch Crime Drama
Netflix continues its strong run with ‘Adolescence’, a gripping British crime drama that has already secured a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The four-part limited series, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, delivers a powerful and deeply unsettling look into teenage crime, family trauma, and modern masculinity.
Figure 1: Adolescence: Season 1
A Crime That Shakes a Family
The series follows Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. Police storm his family home and arrest him, turning his parents’ world upside down. The drama unfolds through the eyes of his father, Eddie Miller (played by Stephen Graham), as he grapples with the horrifying truth about his son.
Also Read: Electricity Costs Climb: Households Warned About Price Hikes
While Jamie initially denies involvement, the evidence against him is overwhelming. The show does not focus on whether he is guilty but rather on why he committed the crime. It explores how online culture influences teenagers and how parents struggle to understand what their children experience in the digital world.
Figure 2: A profoundly emotional and intense drama. Erin Doherty portrays a child psychologist alongside Owen Cooper as a 14-year-old murder suspect in Adolescence.
📷: Ben Blackall/Netflix
Unique Filmmaking: A Single Continuous Shot
One of the most remarkable aspects of ‘Adolescence’ is its filming technique. Each episode is shot in a single continuous take, immersing the audience in the raw emotions of the characters. This technique adds intensity, making every moment feel real and immediate.
Director Philip Barantini, known for his work on ‘Boiling Point’, uses this method to create a claustrophobic and immersive experience. Viewers feel like they are right there in the police station, the courtroom, or the family’s home, witnessing events unfold in real time.
Powerful Performances and a Breakout Star
Stephen Graham delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Eddie Miller, a father struggling to reconcile his love for his son with the horrific crime he has committed. Graham, known for roles in ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘The Irishman’, and ‘Boiling Point’, once again proves his ability to bring complex characters to life.
The real revelation, however, is Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie. At just 15 years old, this is his first-ever acting role. Casting director Shaheen Baig auditioned over 500 boys before selecting him. His portrayal of a troubled, radicalised teenager is both haunting and deeply affecting.
A Harrowing Look at Online Influence
The series sheds light on the dangerous online world that many teenagers navigate in secret. A pivotal moment comes when DI Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) begins to understand Jamie’s mindset through decoded Instagram comments and emojis.
The drama highlights the growing influence of incel culture and online radicalisation, raising urgent questions about how society educates young boys about relationships, respect, and entitlement. Andrew Tate’s name is mentioned as adults try to grasp what is happening, but for the teenagers, this toxic ideology is simply part of their world.
A Gripping Psychological Showdown
One of the most intense episodes features a psychological assessment between Jamie and child psychologist Briony (played by Erin Doherty). This scene, nearly an hour long, sees Briony push Jamie to confront his actions and underlying beliefs. Doherty’s performance is calm yet relentless, guiding the boy to moments of chilling self-revelation.
Cooper’s ability to convey both vulnerability and menace in this scene is extraordinary, especially considering his lack of prior acting experience. The interplay between Doherty and Cooper creates one of the most tense and psychologically complex exchanges in modern television.
Not Just Another Crime Drama
Some viewers have compared ‘Adolescence’ to other shows like ‘Defending Jacob’ (Apple TV+) and ‘Your Honor’ (Netflix). While all three explore teenage crime and parental dilemmas, ‘Adolescence’ has received significantly higher critical praise.
Unlike typical crime dramas that focus on procedural aspects, this series dives into the emotional and societal factors that shape young criminals. It does not provide easy answers but instead forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about modern parenting, masculinity, and digital influence.
Inspired by Real-Life Events
While not based on a single true story, ‘Adolescence’ draws inspiration from real-life knife crimes in the UK.
Stephen Graham stated, “There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl.” He explained that instead of creating a traditional gang-related crime drama, they wanted to focus on a normal family facing an unimaginable nightmare.
“And what’s happening here is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare,” Graham added.
This approach makes the series even more unsettling. It suggests that any family could find themselves in this situation, making the story all the more haunting.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Series
‘Adolescence’ is more than just a crime drama—it is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of modern youth, parenting, and justice. Its unique filming style, exceptional performances, and fearless storytelling make it one of the most gripping series of the year.
While it may not dominate Netflix’s Top 10, its impact will linger with viewers long after the credits roll. If the 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is any indication, this is a show you cannot afford to miss.
‘Adolescence’ is now streaming on Netflix.
