Adolescence unveiled: A Netflix tale of consequence  

WEB DESK: ‘Adolescence’ is a British crime drama miniseries that debuted on Netflix on Thursday, instantly tugging at the heart strings of its viewers with it a raw, gritty portrayal of a sensitive subject.

Crafted by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the series is helmed by director Philip Barantini and showcases a promising cast. Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and Owen Cooper give their all in this beautiful show.

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Comprising four episodes, each instalment is uniquely filmed in a single continuous shot, providing an engaging and immersive viewing experience.

The storyline revolves around a 13-year-old boy who finds himself apprehended for the homicide of a fellow student. The narrative framework sets the stage for a raw, gritty examination of the myriad pressures confronting youth in modern society.

The series aims to illustrate the troubling increase in knife-related violence within the UK, urging audiences to contemplate the societal dynamics that contrite to such tragic outcomes.

Stephen Graham, one of the series’ co-creators and lead actor, highlighted the necessity of addressing the challenges faced by young people today, including societal expectations, digital influences and environmental factors.

Filming for Adolescence took place across several locations in the UK, including South Kirkby, South Elmsall, and Sheffield in Yorkshire.

The production invited a collaborative effort from multiple companies, such as Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B Entertainment, with Jo Johnson serving as the series producer.

The miniseries has received widespread critical acclaim, achieving an astounding 100 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 28 reviews.

Audience reception has also been positive, with an IMDb rating of 8.4 out of 10, reflecting the show’s profound impact and resonance with viewers.

The series came on the heels of a court ruling in the UK that sentenced a teenager to two decades in prison for stabbing a 15-year-old to death over an argument involving a toy(!)

Hassan Sentamu was 17 at the time of the gruesome murder, and was sentenced to 23 years. The murder of the young girl is one in several knife-attacks that shook the European country in recent years.

The series encourages viewers to engage with the themes of the sow on a personal level, urging  them to consider the consequences of the narrative within their own lives.

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Netflix’s Adolescence aspires to create a narrative that resonates deeply by focussing on an ordinary family’s worst nightmare; inviting contemplation on the broader societal issues at play.