Netflix' latest bombshell series is leaving viewers in complete awe.
It feels like we're told about some hit new TV series that's the latest thing every week, and although there have been some recent grumbles about the price of Netflix going up, its latest export is proving it's more than worth the price hike. Even before Jack Thorne's Adolescence came out, there was plenty of hype about it potentially being one of this year's big shows.
Known for his work writing the likes of the This is England franchise and Skins, Thorne just had a recent hit with Netflix's Toxic Town.
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Adolescence has several things going for it, and as well as a stellar cast that's led by Peaky Blinders' Stephen Graham (who also co-wrote Adolescence with Thorne), its unique premise sees it filmed as a one-shot.
The series is directed by Philip Barantini, who already tried the whole one-shot thing with the critically acclaimed Boiling Point. Playing out over four episodes, Adolescence isn't for the faint-hearted as it follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. As you can imagine, there are all the typical twists and turns, with this gritty drama earning a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although the audience score sits at a much lower 74%, the critics are unanimously loving Adolescence and have awarded it the coveted 100%.
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ABC News' Peter Travers writes: "An emotional powerhouse that sneaks up and floors you. The young TV season sets a new gold standard with a series sure to rank with the year's very best. Polish up Emmys for Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper as the father and son at the heart of the tale."
There was similar praise from Rolling Stone's Alan Sepinwall writing: "This is not an easy watch... But in what Adolescence has to say, and in how eloquently and audaciously it says it, it’s also among the very best things -- and an early contender for the best thing -- you will see on the small screen this year.”
Over on the Netflix subreddit, it seems viewers are more in line with the critics, sharing their own praise for the Netflix thriller.
In one thread saying they'd just finished Adolescence, the OP cheered: "Started and then could not stop.
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“I’m speechless. The way it’s filmed, acting…There will be only 2 types of people after this one: full haters, full lovers. There is just nothing between."
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Others chimed in with their thoughts on the four-part series, with someone else adding: "Started and watched it back to front. I haven’t been glued to my TV like this in a long time. I love it so much and really think the actors are award worthy. Most importantly, the story and ending are absolutely gut wrenching to watch, but so worth it."
A third particularly highlighted the third episode and concluded: "I'm still processing that episode. The acting from both of them was absolutely fantastic. Possibly the best episode of TV I've watched so far this year."
It seems the only negative is that Adolescence only has four episodes. While things are neatly wrapped up, there are already calls for the same team to return and deliver a second season. Although it would be unlikely Graham would reprise his role as Eddie Miller, the concept of the show could definitely work as an anthology series.
For those who haven't checked out Adolescence, you better do it before the internet inevitably spoils the ending for you.