There is a ton of TV out there.  Viewers can pick any show from any time.  This has led to a big push to make TV shows stand out.  Netflix has always been a leader in this push. They have used interactive TV and even episodes that play in different orders.  Now, they have a new trick up their sleeve.  It is a crime drama called Adolescence.

        This show is different.  It is made up of four episodes.  Each episode is one long, unbroken take.  This means the camera never stops rolling.  It is like a play.  The director, Philip Baranti, used this style in his previous work.  He is known for his feature film Boiling Point and its sequel series.

        The show is about a 13-year-old boy named Jamie.  He is accused of murdering a classmate.  The story follows Jamie's father, Eddie, and a detective, DI Luke Bascombe.  The first episode shows Jamie's arrest and the initial police processing.  The second episode follows the detective as he investigates the crime at Jamie's school.  The third episode is an interview with Jamie.  The fourth episode shows how Jamie's family deals with the aftermath.

        Making a show like this is hard work.  For example, the first episode shows Jamie being taken from his bed to the police station.  The house and station had to be close together.  This way, the episode doesn't waste time showing Jamie in the car.  The show also uses some clever camera work.  In the second episode, the camera goes from handheld to drone footage seamlessly.  This was done by carefully attaching the camera to a drone.

        The story is interesting.  Jamie's innocence is not clear.  This makes viewers pay close attention to his behavior.  The show also touches on some important topics.  These include incel culture and the alienation of Generation Z.  The phrase "manosphere" is mentioned more than once.

        The acting is great.  Stephen Graham plays Jamie's father, Eddie.  He is a veteran actor who has been in many shows and movies.  Owen Cooper plays Jamie.  He holds his own against the adult actors.  Watching this show is like watching a play.  It is a great story, but it is even better knowing it is one long performance.

        Netflix is known for its gimmicks.  But this show feels different.  The one-take style could become a new type of thriller.  Adolescence is a great example of this style.  It is a small-scale, high-stakes story.  It shows what traditional TV can't do.

        This show is not just a flashy hook.  It is a nuanced story that deserves close attention.  The one-take format makes viewers pay close attention to the details.  This is a good thing.  It makes the story more engaging.  It also makes the actors' performances more impressive.

        The show is now streaming on Netflix.  It is worth a watch.  It is a unique viewing experience.  It is a crime drama done in a new way.  It is a show that pushes the boundaries of what TV can be.  It is a show that is worth your time.

Crime Drama Without Breaks: A New Way to Watch

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