Adolescence Web Series Review
Netflix has dropped a four-episode mini-drama series titled “Adolescence” that immediately caught my attention, though I started it just out of curiosity. Within the first 10-15 minutes, the series hooked me in, and before I knew it, I was glued to the screen. So, let’s talk about it.
Hello, my name is Yogi, and you’ll be seeing me around a lot! Adolescence is a story set around the teenage years, a time of growth, confusion, and intense change. The term “adolescence” refers to the period in a child’s life, usually between 13 to 17 years old, where they are transitioning from childhood into adulthood. In the series, we follow a teenager named Zami, who is arrested by the police and taken from her home because they have evidence that she has committed a murder. But, did she really commit the crime, or is there a bigger conspiracy at play? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out.
The One-Take Phenomenon: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Now, when I started the series, I was taken aback by something rather unusual: the entire series is filmed as one continuous shot. Yes, you heard that right—one shot. No breaks, no director’s cuts. And it’s not like there haven’t been films that experimented with one-take shots before. We’ve seen movies like Birdman and Carter (which I reviewed earlier) try this technique. But what sets Adolescence apart is how flawlessly the directors pulled it off. There are no cuts or transitions—just a continuous camera movement that keeps you in the moment.
For example, there is a shot in the school, where the camera follows the action for almost 40 minutes, weaving in and out of hallways, classrooms, and corridors. The camera then smoothly shifts from a ground-level shot to an aerial shot, without a single cut. The question is: how is this even possible?
Well, here’s where it gets mind-blowing: the filmmakers shared a behind-the-scenes making-of video on YouTube, explaining how they managed to convert a continuous ground shot into an aerial shot. The answer? A drone was cleverly attached to the moving camera! This kind of film technique adds an incredible aesthetic quality, giving the scenes a raw and immersive feel that’s both realistic and captivating. Hats off to the team for pulling it off!
A Slow-Burning Drama: The Price of One-Take Shots
Of course, the beauty of filming in one take comes with its own set of challenges. To maintain this approach, some shots can feel unnecessarily long and drag the pacing of the story. For instance, in one scene, when Zami is being taken to the police station, they show her fingerprints being scanned—every single finger, one by one. In a typical movie, this would be a quick transition, but here, the camera stays on the scene for what feels like forever. This attention to detail in one long shot, while technically impressive, can make certain moments feel slower than necessary.
There are several instances like this throughout the series, where the pace slows down, and the impact is diminished. If the series had employed more conventional cutting techniques, it might have flowed more smoothly.
A Story About Teenagers and Their Struggles
Apart from the technical mastery, Adolescence focuses heavily on the struggles of teenagers, their expectations, and how they navigate through life. The series delves into social media’s negative influence, how teenagers explore their fantasies, and how their families and upbringing impact their journey into adulthood.
The narrative itself is a suspenseful drama that, unfortunately, reveals the central mystery in the very first episode. After that, we experience the story from Zami’s and her family’s perspective, exploring the aftermath of the crime and the unfolding tension. The story may seem somewhat predictable, but the exploration of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth make it an engaging watch, despite its flaws.
Acting, Cinematography, and Realistic Immersion
The acting in Adolescence is stellar. The characters feel real, and you connect with their struggles and emotions. Considering the complexities of the one-take shots, the actors’ ability to maintain continuity without a single mistake is remarkable. Just imagine the pressure of performing without a break—one mistake, and the entire scene has to be shot again. Yet, every actor delivers an exceptional performance, making the characters and their conflicts come alive on screen.
If we were to rate the series based solely on the cinematography, acting, and innovative techniques, I would easily give it a five-star rating. The visuals and performances are breathtaking, making it a memorable experience.
However, the predictable storyline, along with some unnecessary long takes, makes it feel a bit lengthy at times. Therefore, overall, I would rate this series a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A Few Notes for the Sensitive Viewers
There is some mild profanity and harsh language, though nothing too extreme. The series also briefly touches on internal body parts and the realities of the teenage body, so be aware of that before watching.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Adolescence is a series that beautifully showcases the art of one-take cinematography while exploring deep themes of teenage struggles, identity, and family. It’s a unique viewing experience that might not be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of innovative filmmaking techniques, it’s worth checking out.
Have you seen any other series or films with one-take shots? Drop your recommendations in the
comments below, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review
Adolescence Web Series Review