When a Netflix series is discussed even in political talk shows, you know it has become a cultural phenomenon. Adolescence, the four-part British miniseries created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, premiered on March 13 and has been lauded for its raw storytelling and technical prowess. While its gripping narrative of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder has captured audiences, what truly sets it apart is its masterful use of the one-take filming technique.
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The One-Take Challenge
The entire series was shot in real-time, with each episode consisting of a single continuous take. This technique, often referred to as “one-shot” or “oner,” eliminates traditional cuts, immersing the audience in an unbroken sequence of events. While some films, like 1917 or Birdman, use clever editing to create the illusion of a single take, Adolescence achieves it in its purest form.
Philip Barantini, the director known for his work on Boiling Point, meticulously choreographed each scene to ensure seamless movement between locations. The cast and crew rehearsed extensively, breaking down the script into segments, gradually building up to full-length rehearsals. This approach allowed the actors to embody their roles naturally, responding to real-time developments rather than premeditated cuts.
The Technical Execution
Filming a one-take production presents significant logistical challenges. Here’s how Adolescence overcame them:
- Multiple Takes, One Perfect Shot: Each episode was filmed at least 10 times, with two takes per day. The best take was selected for the final cut. For instance, Episode 1 was finalized from Take 2, while Episode 4 required 16 takes.
- Hidden Camera Transitions: Cinematographer Matthew Lewis utilized Steadicams and handheld rigs to navigate tight spaces, ensuring fluidity. While there were no visible cuts, strategic camera movements allowed brief moments to adjust lighting and composition.
- Actor Coordination: Unlike conventional productions where multiple angles allow for coverage, actors had to perfect their timing and blocking in a single take. Any mistake required improvisation or restarting the entire sequence.
- Dynamic Lighting and Set Design: Since the camera moved continuously across locations, lighting had to be pre-set for all possible angles. The production team used practical lighting sources—desk lamps, streetlights, and natural daylight—to maintain realism.
The Impact of One-Take Storytelling
The absence of cuts intensifies the viewing experience. Without the ability to escape a scene, the audience is forced to engage with the characters’ raw emotions in real-time. When Jamie (Owen Cooper) is interrogated, the lack of edits amplifies his vulnerability, making the audience feel trapped alongside him. Similarly, the therapy session in Episode 3 becomes an almost unbearable yet deeply humanizing moment.
One-take storytelling also enhances realism. Just as Hitchcock experimented with this technique in Rope, Adolescence uses it to maintain tension, ensuring the audience remains immersed in every second of the unfolding drama.
A Technical Masterpiece
While Adolescence stands out for its harrowing narrative, it is its execution that elevates it to a cinematic marvel. The series is not just a compelling crime drama but also a testament to the power of seamless, immersive filmmaking. Whether you appreciate the art of cinematography or simply crave an intense viewing experience, Adolescence delivers on all fronts. If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare for an unforgettable, unrelenting ride.