I was absolutely floored by Adolescence from Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point). Technically astounding (each episode is shot in one long take), and featuring a flawless cast led by Graham (never better), Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Faye Marsay, Erin Doherty (award worthy), Amelie Pease and newcomer Owen Cooper. Cooper was cast after a nationwide search (500+ young men auditioned) and his work here, particularly in episode 3, will knock the wind right out of you.

The examination of toxic masculinity, generational trauma, social media, peer pressure and online bullying serves as a sobering reminder to parents of teenagers just how precarious the world has become for young people. Without judgement, Thorne and Graham’s naturalistic writing and Barantini’s camera bring us right into the world of a family whose seemingly ordinary existence is shredded by the arrest of their 13 year old son Jamie for the murder of a female classmate.

This is the kind of impactful British TV that comes along so rarely (think Happy Valley, Baby Reindeer) but that has the ability to truly alter perceptions, trusting the audience to engage with characters and their situations via nuanced writing, full committed performances and world class filmmaking.

All 4 episodes are available on Netflix now, and I can't recommend it highly enough.