The Netflix Show 'Adolescence' Sweeps Emmy awards. Image: Happy families.
(The Post News)- Adolescence Breaks Ground with One-Take Episodes and Powerful Storytelling. Over the years, some of the most iconic works in film and music have adopted the “one-take” approach, from the World War I epic 1917 to the Spice Girls’ unforgettable “Wannabe” video.
However, many of these examples didn’t actually unfold in a single continuous shot. Instead, they cleverly used seamless editing to create the illusion of one uninterrupted take.
Netflix’s Adolescence Raises the Bar
The Emmy-winning drama truly committed to the concept, filming all four of its hour-long episodes in one continuous take, without cuts or interruptions. This ambitious technique not only showcased technical mastery but also heightened the storytelling experience. When Adolescence premiered to critical acclaim in March, both viewers and critics praised its immersive, edge-of-your-seat intensity.
The gripping series opens with 14-year-old Jamie Miller, played by breakout star Owen Cooper, being woken by police who storm his family home and arrest him in his bedroom. From the first few moments, the tension is palpable. Jamie’s father, portrayed by Stephen Graham, protests, “You’re making a big mistake.” But as the episode progresses, the evidence becomes undeniable; CCTV footage confirms Jamie’s guilt. What follows is a chilling, nuanced examination of why the murder occurred and how a teenage boy could be driven to commit such an act.
Co-created by Graham and acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne, the series steers clear of being a typical crime procedural. Instead, it dives deep into the psychological and social factors that influence modern adolescence. The show’s central themes—the influence of smartphones, social media pressure, and teenage isolation—struck a powerful chord with global audiences and tapped into widespread parental anxieties.
Graham revealed that a real-life incident inspired the story. “I read an article about a young boy who stabbed a girl to death. It made me feel cold,” he shared during an interview with Radio X’s Chris Moyles. “Then just a few months later, another teen stabbing happened in a completely different part of the country. It made me ask, why is this happening? Not just as a father, but as a human being with a moral compass.”
The show’s stark realism, intense performances, and innovative cinematography helped Adolescence sweep several major categories at this year’s Emmy Awards, including acting wins for both Stephen Graham and Saoirse Doherty, who played key supporting roles. The series also earned top honours for writing and direction, a rare clean sweep for a limited series.
At the heart of it all was Owen Cooper, the 14-year-old from Warrington who portrayed Jamie. His haunting, emotionally layered performance left a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike. Reflecting on the experience, Cooper said, “After adolescence, I realized I’d be happy doing this for the rest of my life. It was the perfect start for me.” Cooper also shared that he acknowledges that he is fortunate to be a part of something so unique. Moreover, the young star said that he only intended to learn how to execute the job correctly, and he will keep that attitude in every position he takes on.
Much like Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office the year before, Adolescence became a rare TV phenomenon, both a commercial success and a cultural lightning rod. Its impact extended far beyond entertainment, sparking conversations about youth violence, mental health, and the digital age.
As award season rolls on, industry insiders expect Adolescence to remain a strong contender at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the BAFTA TV Awards. For Owen Cooper, who is now navigating the early stages of a promising career, this may only be the beginning. He might want to keep that Emmys tuxedo close; it’s going to be a busy year.
About the Author
