The British crime drama Adolescence, released on Netflix on March 13, 2025, has become a global sensation as a four-episode mini-series. Directed by Philip Barantini, the series was written and co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne. Stephen Graham (Eddie Miller), Owen Cooper (Jamie Miller), Ashley Walters, Faye Marcey, and Erin Doherty star in the lead roles. The story revolves around a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, and presents a gripping psychological thriller that explores teenage rage, toxic masculinity, the influence of social media, and the pressures of parenting. It has received 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praises from leading sites like the Guardian and the Indian Express as “TV perfection” and “Best Show of the Year”, and comments from filmmakers like Hansal Mehta and Shekhar Kapur on X as “next-level storytelling”. How did this series, which is available with Telugu dubbing, impress the Telugu audience? Let me share my feelings, highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What’s in the story?
In a suburban town in northern England, 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested by the police one morning on charges of stabbing his classmate Katie Leonard to death. The shocking incident leaves the Miller family—father Eddie (Stephen Graham), mother Manda (Christine Tremarco), and sister Lisa (Amelie Pease)—devastated. Jamie’s parents, who believe in his innocence, are left in a quandary with the evidence they uncover. Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) investigates the case, uncovering elements such as bullying at school, social media emoji-coded humiliation, and manosphere influencers. Forensic psychologist Briony (Erin Doherty) assesses Jamie’s mental state, uncovering his incel beliefs and male rage. What is the “why” behind this murder? How did social media, peer pressure, and toxic online culture affect Jamie? Where did his parents go wrong? The answers to these questions are the story of adolescence.
My feelings: Shocking, thought-provoking, must-watch!
As soon as the series started, I saw the scene where the police arrest Jamie, and I thought, “Oh my, this is not an ordinary crime drama!” Since each episode was shot in a single take (one-shot), the raw emotions, tension, and real-time feel in each scene were amazingly impressive. Especially the third episode—Brioni’s psychological interview with Jamie—is a masterpiece! The dialogue dance between Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty, and the changes in Jamie’s innocence, rage, and cunning are goosebumps! As Hansal Mehta wrote in X, “It will shake you, it will scare you!” I agree 100% with the sentiment.
The series explores topics like social media, incel culture, toxic masculinity, and bullying in depth, raising questions like, “What are our kids watching online? What is going on in their minds?” The fourth episode is heart-wrenching with family emotions and Eddie’s guilt. This slow-burn, psychological thriller may feel a bit different to the Telugu audience, who prefers action like Baahubali or drama like Pushpa, but it is an emotional, social commentary ride. I was disturbed by some scenes (Jamie strip-search, school bullying), but those same scenes made the series real and impactful.
Technical aspects, acting
Adolescence is a masterpiece technically! Shooting each episode in one-shots—crane shots, car interiors, seamless camera moments in school corridors—showed technical genius on the part of cinematographer Matthew Lewis and director Philip Barantini. Far from being a gimmick, the technique allowed the story’s tension and emotions to be conveyed in an immersive way. The background score added depth to the scenes, highlighting the raw feel. The production design, school setting, and suburban house visuals gave a realistic vibe.
Owen Cooper is a revelation in acting! At 15, his first role as Jamie, his ability to switch between innocence, rage, and vulnerability is amazing. As the Guardian review put it, “He’s a phenomenal find!” Stephen Graham portrays his guilt, shock, and parental struggle as Eddie with a raw, devastating performance. Erin Doherty makes the third episode iconic with her cool, intelligent delivery as Briony. Ashley Walters, Faye Marcey, and Christine Tremarco are excellent in supporting roles.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
One-shot technique: Shooting four episodes in a single take gave the series a real-time, immersive feel.
Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham: Their performances as Jamie and Eddie elevated the series.
Social commentary: Deeply explored topics like social media, incel culture, bullying, and male rage.
Episode 3: The Jamie-Brionie interview is a TV masterpiece, with amazing emotional and psychological depth.
Short and intense: Four episodes, 50-60 minutes, crisp, binge-worthy.
Dislikes:
Jamie's point of view: Not showing Jamie directly what's on his mind felt a bit like a gap.
Slow Moments: The school scenes in the second episode felt a bit drawn out.
Emotional Resolution: The final episode was decent, but the lack of easy answers may leave some people unsatisfied.
Disturbing Content: Strip-searching, bullying, revenge porn references may be heavy for sensitive audiences.
Dubbing Quality: The Telugu dubbing is decent, but the original English audio captures the emotions better and is decaying.
Who should watch it?
Adolescence is a perfect choice for those who like Netflix dramas like Squid Game and Stranger Things, and psychological thrillers like Beyond Evil. This series is a treat for those who are interested in Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper's acting, and social media issues. Rated TV-MA for bullying, violence, misogyny, incel references, and foul language, so adults and teens can watch (with parental guidance). Telugu, Hindi, and English dubbing and subtitles are available. This series is a warning to parents—take a look at your kids' smartphone usage and online activities! Those expecting fast-paced action like Money Heist should lower their expectations, as this is a slow-burn, character-driven drama.
Rating: 4/5
Adolescence is a great TV experience with its one-shot technique, performances by Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty, social media, and strong commentary on toxic masculinity. The third episode, the school scenes, and the family emotions that made the series iconic. Missing Jamie's point of view, some slow moments, and the lack of easy resolutions kept the series from being a perfect 5/5. A must-watch on Netflix this weekend for crime drama, psychological thriller, and social issue lovers! Parents and teens will find it a great discussion spot when watching together
Release Date: March 13, 2025 (Netflix)
Streaming: Netflix
Director: Philip Barantini
Writers/Co-Creators: Stephen Graham, Jack Thorne
Cast: Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Faye Marcey, Erin Doherty