Adolescence (2025) - TV Review

We're all aware that public school systems suck. No doubt the notorious messiness of teenage behavior and social media's further effects on it are the end result of larger societal problems. With Netflix's miniseries "Adolescence", we're given a front row seat into the heart of the storm. In short, you shouldn't see this if you want to escape from reality, on account of heavy topics at its center. But if you're mentally prepared to weather such depressing material, then this 4-episode long mini-series will definitely help you start an important conversation.

Each episode is shot and/or edited to look like one continuous take. In each episode, we're given a glimpse into the aftermath of the community at large and relevant parties involved when a teenager is arrested for murdering another student. One episode is set primarily at a police station, another at the school where the victim and suspect went, etc. More information regarding this tragedy and the actions that led up to it are unraveled. Consequences of the killing come to fruition. And the end result will leave us enraged, albeit in the right way.

With the staggering amount of deaths from school shootings here in the U.S. for more than a decade, it's clear that this show has pronounced relevancy. "Adolescence" once again reignites relevant concerns regarding safety in schools and the toxic behaviors that cause those who don't know any better to fly off the deep end. The loaded irony in all this of course is that the narrative is set in the U.K. This doesn't detract anything from the experience as much as it makes its messages more universal. The cast consists of unknowns making this feel more real.

As this family attempts to keep going like everything is normal, they quickly realize the uphill battle that is in store for them every step of the way. Same for any friends of the victims and suspects alongside the detectives attempting to make sense of what went down. The weight of the crime is felt in each episode and the ripple effects on said parties are clearly shown. The series holds nothing back in showing how ugly and bleak the surroundings are as a result. Any film/show where we witness students cussing on the regular is getting it right.

It reminds me of my experience in middle and high school in a way almost. Many of the sleazy and immature behaviors of the classmates. The adult teachers having a hard time disciplining naughty students. "Adolescence" is a well put together mini-series that addresses relevant issues and shows what happens if we don't resolve them in a timely manner. The entire cast is believable in their anger, sorrow and grief over processing this event. But they also show their humanity and good side, as evidenced by the family in the last episode.

The mini-series overall does fall short of the Critic's Choice label, even though it's close to obtaining it. The replay value for this mini-series is alarmingly low, given how heavy the subject matter is on the audience. The chance of revisiting this series without getting tense or depressed is unrealistic. The gimmick of making each episode seem like one take is effective. At times however, I have to be honest and say some segways seem way too dramatically convenient with how closely they unravel in proximity to the next character we follow.

With the third episode taking place 90% of the time in one room, I'd be impressed to learn if the cameraman didn't get sick after all the circling around the two characters the episode centers on. If they did however, I apologize for their dizziness after the fact. Hopefully, they're paid well regardless. There are times when I zone out because there wasn't enough happening in a scene or two. If you're looking for a quick show to binge that's succinct in the message it's getting across, then "Adolescence" is easily the ideal candidate for the job.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10