A child accused. A family destroyed. This groundbreaking Netflix limited series examines youth violence through an unflinching real-time lens, with each episode filmed in a single continuous take.
Adolescence (2025) - The Complete Breakdown
The Devastating Premise
On a quiet morning in Yorkshire, England, 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested in a dawn raid for the murder of his classmate Katie. What follows is a harrowing examination of:
Parental Anguish
Eddie (Stephen Graham) and Manda Miller (Christine Tremarco) grapple with their son's alleged crime and their own parenting
Justice System
DI Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and DS Misha Frank (Faye Marsay) navigate the complex investigation
Youth Psychology
Psychologist Briony (Erin Doherty) attempts to understand what led Jamie to this violent act
The Stellar Cast
Stephen Graham
as Eddie Miller
Owen Cooper
as Jamie Miller
Ashley Walters
as DI Luke Bascombe
Faye Marsay
as DS Misha Frank
Groundbreaking Single-Take Format
Real-Time Immersion
Each episode is filmed in one continuous take, creating unparalleled intensity
Director Philip Barantini (Boiling Point) brings his signature single-take approach to this series, with the camera never cutting away from the unfolding drama. This creates:
- Unrelenting tension: No cuts mean no escape from the emotional weight
- Actor showcase: Demands extraordinary performances from the entire cast
- Documentary realism: Feels like you're witnessing events firsthand
Episode Breakdown
"The Arrest"
The Miller family's world collapses when Jamie is taken into custody
"The Investigation"
DI Bascombe uncovers disturbing digital evidence
"The Evaluation"
Psychologist Briony assesses Jamie in a blistering confrontation
"The Aftermath"
Eddie's devastating realization and final act of paternal love
Timely Social Commentary
The series tackles urgent issues facing today's youth:
Online Radicalization
Explores Jamie's exposure to misogynistic content and the "manosphere"
Knife Crime Epidemic
Reflects the 240% increase in UK teen knife deaths over the past decade
Parental Blindspots
How digital lives diverge from what parents see at home
Critical Acclaim
"A masterclass in psychological tension with career-best performances from Stephen Graham and newcomer Owen Cooper."
— The Guardian
"The most important British drama in years - a devastating examination of youth violence that demands to be seen."
— The Telegraph
Final Verdict
Adolescence is more than a television series - it's a cultural intervention that:
- Showcases extraordinary acting: Particularly from young Owen Cooper in his debut
- Pushes technical boundaries: With its innovative single-take format
- Demands social reflection: On youth violence and digital influences
- Leaves viewers shattered: Eddie's final scene with the teddy bear is television at its most powerful
⚠️ Content Warning: Contains graphic depictions of violence, psychological trauma, and themes of youth crime.
Streaming Information
Netflix
Available globally from March 2025
Is Jamie a Victim or a Killer?
This series will make you question everything. Share your theories after watching!