A Bold Vision for Gritty Storytelling
Netflix’s Adolescence isn’t just gripping for its intense plot and raw performances, it’s a technical feat that left even seasoned filmmakers scratching their heads. Each episode was filmed in a single continuous take, a high-wire act of precision, choreography and trust that pushed the limits of television production.
Director Lucy Forbes, best known for her work on The End of the F**ing World*, teamed up with cinematographer Benedict Spence to bring this complex vision to life. “We weren’t just filming scenes, we were building an entire world in real time,” Forbes explained in a behind-the-scenes featurette.
Rehearse, Reset, Repeat
Filming each episode as a one-take meant everything – camera movements, actor cues, props – had to be flawlessly executed from start to finish. One misstep and it was back to the beginning.
“It felt like theatre,” said Erin Doherty, who plays psychologist Briony Ariston. “There was no hiding. Everyone had to be on point.”
To get it right, the team did full rehearsals for days, blocking out every move in painstaking detail. It was more like staging a play than shooting a TV show.
The Sky-High Gamble That Paid Off
Episode 2 delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent TV history. A scene that begins in a claustrophobic house seamlessly transitions into a drone shot that soars above rooftops; without a single cut.
How did they do it?
As the scene progressed, the camera operator physically handed off the rig to a drone crew on the roof. In one smooth motion, the drone took flight, keeping the audience immersed and unaware of the technical handover.
“It was a mad idea,” said drone operator Jake Buchanan in a Mashable interview. “We didn’t know if it would actually work until we pulled it off during the final take.”
Netflix’s New ‘Oner’ Obsession
This kind of ambitious filming, often referred to as a “oner,” is becoming increasingly popular. But Adolescence takes it to the next level, using the technique not just to show off, but to elevate the emotional tension.
According to a Vulture analysis, the constant motion mimics the relentless pace of digital life, no pause, no escape. It’s a metaphor made visual, and one that hits especially hard in a story about teens navigating online toxicity and real-world consequences.
Why the Risk Was Worth It
For viewers, the one-shot style isn’t just a gimmick. It heightens the stakes, making each scene feel raw and unfiltered. There’s no safety net, and that translates directly into the performances.
And the results speak for themselves. From TikTok breakdowns to Reddit threads filled with admiration, the show’s daring approach has earned it praise not just for its storytelling, but for its sheer audacity.
As one teen fan put it in a Times piece, “It felt like real life. Like you’re in it, not watching it.”
