A hit series recently catapulted to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list, sparking curiosity about the captivating behind-the-scenes process of creating the critically acclaimed show. “Adolescence,” directed by Philip Barantini, stands out for its innovative one-shot approach in each of its four gripping episodes, where a single camera follows the action continuously for the entire hour.
In a recent interview with Deadline, Barantini delved into the meticulous preparations that went into crafting each episode of “Adolescence,” including the choreography of hundreds of extras and intensive rehearsals. Netflix has now unveiled the selected takes that made the final cut for the series, which revolves around a 13-year-old boy accused of a heinous crime.
For the first episode, predominantly set in a police station, the streamer opted for the second take captured during the initial day of a five-day shoot. Episode two, depicting a school coping with the aftermath of the crime, was filmed in take 13 amidst a sprawling cast of 370 extras. Barantini closely scrutinized the interaction between Owen Cooper, the breakout star portraying accused teen Jamie Miller, and psychologist Erin Doherty in the third episode, which required 11 attempts to perfect.
The finale of “Adolescence” was meticulously crafted during take 16, as the Millers grappled with the harsh realities of their son’s situation. Barantini’s vision for the series shines through in episode two, where the camera seamlessly glides between the school and crime scene in one continuous shot, leaving viewers awestruck by its technical brilliance.
In an intriguing twist, Netflix revealed that the original plan was to film each episode ten times in full, but unforeseen challenges led to some episodes undergoing more than 10 takes. The meticulous process involved gradually building up rehearsals daily, piecing together the script segments until the actors flawlessly performed entire episodes. The crew’s seamless coordination during rehearsals allowed for precise camera positions and the smooth integration of crew members on screen, blending in with other extras seamlessly.
“Adolescence” has quickly gained popularity on Netflix, garnering rave reviews and amassing a considerable viewership in the UK within days of its release. The series’ innovative storytelling and technical mastery have positioned it as a potential rating powerhouse, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and unique filming techniques.