Adolescence Review: Netflix's Most Gripping Drama in Years

What’s It About

Every now and then a show comes along that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Adolescence is that show. This Netflix limited series follows the aftermath of a 13-year-old boy being arrested and charged with the murder of a classmate — and from the very first frame, it grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

The series unfolds across four feature-length episodes, each shot in a single continuous take. Yes, you read that right — no cuts, no edits, just raw, unbroken storytelling that puts you right in the thick of it. Each episode shifts perspective: from the arresting officers, to the family falling apart, to the psychologist trying to crack open what happened, and finally to the courtroom where it all comes to a head.

What makes Adolescence so remarkable is that it never takes the easy road. There’s no neat explanation, no tidy villain, no comforting resolution. Instead, it digs into the messy, uncomfortable reality of how a child ends up in a situation like this — radicalisation through online spaces, the failures of parents and institutions, and the terrifying gap between what kids show the world and what festers beneath the surface.

The Verdict

This is absolutely extraordinary television. The single-take format could easily have been a gimmick, but here it serves the story perfectly. You can’t look away, you can’t skip ahead, you’re locked in with these characters and their escalating horror. The claustrophobia is intentional and devastatingly effective.

Stephen Graham delivers what might be the performance of his career as the father — and given his track record, that’s saying something. Watching him oscillate between rage, denial, grief, and desperate love is genuinely heartbreaking. The young actor playing the accused teenager is equally phenomenal, conveying layers of vulnerability and menace that will have you questioning everything you think you know about him.

The writing is razor-sharp. Every conversation feels authentic, every silence weighted with meaning. The show trusts its audience to sit with discomfort rather than spelling things out. When revelations come, they hit like a punch to the gut precisely because the groundwork has been laid so carefully.

If there’s one minor quibble, it’s that the courtroom episode in the final stretch occasionally dips into slightly more conventional territory compared to the audacious intimacy of the earlier instalments. But honestly, that’s nitpicking a show that’s operating at an extraordinarily high level throughout.

Who’s It For

This is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates bold, ambitious storytelling. If you loved shows like Chernobyl, The Night Of, or Mare of Easttown, Adolescence belongs in that same conversation — limited series that use their tight runtime to deliver maximum impact.

Fair warning though: this is not easy watching. The subject matter is heavy, and the unflinching approach means you’ll feel every moment of it. It deals with themes of online radicalisation, violence, and the failures of the adults who are supposed to protect children. If you’re after something light for a Friday night, maybe save this for when you’re in the right headspace.

That said, it’s the kind of show that sparks genuine conversation. You’ll want to talk about it afterwards — with your partner, your mates, probably on Reddit at 2am when you can’t sleep because it’s still rattling around in your head.

Where to Watch in Australia

Adolescence is streaming exclusively on Netflix in Australia. All four episodes are available to binge right now. Netflix’s standard plan runs from $18.99/month in Australia, though you can get the ad-supported tier from $7.99/month if you’re watching the budget.

Our Rating

9/10 — Adolescence is a masterclass in tension, empathy, and unflinching drama. The single-take format elevates already brilliant writing and performances into something truly special. One of 2026’s must-watch series and exactly the kind of bold television Netflix should be making more of. Clear your evening, charge your phone, and settle in — just don’t expect to sleep easily afterwards.