Adolescence charts the impact and aftermath of the stabbing of a teenage girl. Beginning with the operation to arrest the main suspect, each episode flows in a seamless one-shot. This bold approach makes it feel like the story is occupying a living space, as if there's an actual world out there, rather than what's happening right in front of us. Instead of passing from one scene to another we follow the different characters through their day, or at least their part of the story.
Far from your typical crime drama, Adolescence is more like a dramatic public information film. Highlighting the dangers of knives, the internet and social media. It's a warning, both to teenagers and parents that this is a growing problem, one that causes wide-spread devastation. In fact, Adolescence feels so incredibly real and hard-hitting that I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a kind of educational tool. This is what you show your kids if you're worried about them getting involved with knives, or even bullying or anti-social behaviour.
As well as being brilliantly written by Jack Thorne, this horrifying reality is brought to life by a fantastic cast. You will not find even an average performance here, let alone a bad one. Owen Cooper delivers a mind-blowing performance - in his first acting role - as Jamie Miller, the boy charged with stabbing his fellow student. In episode 3 he is one of only two main characters, and the way he is able to handle being the camera's sole focus for long periods of time not only speaks to his impressive talent, it allows him to show us so much of this troubled character.
Whereas the first half of the show is both terrifying and eye-opening, I think the second half feels more impactful. Yes there's the shock of the opening raid and the isolation of the custody suite, but certain elements are irritating or even a little ridiculous. The same goes for episode 2, it's very good but there are certain interactions that are a little annoying or inappropriate and don't really fit with the characters. Granted some of this will have to do with the unique shooting style, which despite bringing a shocking degree of reality, also has its limitations. And if you're anything like me episode 2 will make you feel old, which speaks to the warning Adolescence brings with it. The show doesn't follow the traditional arc of a crime drama, so in the second half it's able to get to the grim reality of just how many people are impacted by such a tragic event, and the fact that it never really goes away.
9/10
What did you think of Adolescence? Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads. You can also email us at moviemoustache@gmail.com.
Comments
Post a Comment