Netflix’s upcoming British drama Adolescence premieres this Thursday, offering a unique viewing experience—each of its four episodes is filmed in a single continuous shot.
The gripping series, centered around the aftermath of a teenage stabbing, required an intricate filming technique. Cameras were passed between operators like a relay race, clipped on and off drones, and maneuvered through buildings and vehicles to maintain the immersive, real-time effect.
Directed by Philip Barantini, known for his one-take storytelling in Boiling Point, the show stars Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and newcomer Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie Miller—the teenager accused of the crime. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Jamie’s family, police officers, and professionals involved in the case, shifting the focus from the victim’s family to the life of the accused.
Barantini and co-creator Jack Thorne meticulously planned each scene, mapping out locations to optimize movement and dialogue. Sets were strategically built, including a purpose-designed police station, ensuring seamless transitions between scenes.
The single-take method demanded extensive rehearsals. Actors, including Walters and Doherty, found the experience exhilarating, likening it to theater. Doherty, who plays Jamie’s clinical psychologist, praised Cooper’s performance, calling him one of the best actors she has worked with.
Despite the challenges—such as perfectly timing movements and ensuring camera operators stayed in position—the cast and crew thrived in the fast-paced, choreographed filming process. Graham described it as a well-coordinated team effort, similar to playing a soccer match where every player knows their role.
For the actors, the lack of traditional retakes created an electric atmosphere. “When you know that you can stop, there’s always that safety net,” Doherty reflects. “Whereas when you take it away, really exciting things happen.”
