Adolescence

Impressive in so many respects, and obviously first because Cooper has no previous experience and because the scenes really were filmed as single takes. Compared to THE BEAST, hard to avoid the conclusion that, while Bonello has, in a way, “higher” artistic aims, the treatment of similar psycho-social-sexual themes is here far more convincing. Final episode drifts into melodrama for the sake of acting pyrotechnics rather than pushing the insights much deeper but the overall impact is undeniable. - Full Review

overly dramatic and pure gimmick, not a whole lot more

Superficially looks realistic, but isn't really. The silly raid scene at the very beginning kind of jumps the gun on the sensationalism you see much more of later on. Some of it holds its head above water in playing procedural, though police reviewers dispute its depiction of policework. Much of the dialogue does show polish. Other times it's workmanlike but transparently contrived, belaboring its points.

While the series offers some good insight into child psychology, with its ups and downs and raw imperfections, as well as generational divides, parents' questioning of the end result etc. quite good I hate productions that emotionally exploit their audience, and this one does exactly that—targeting families with children, a major Netflix demographic.

Incredibly overhyped (and often misunderstood) by the media, the first episode drew me in but the other three were pretty pointless. The single-shot style works for that one too but otherwise is just a gimmick. The story lacks focus and while it’s gritty it doesn’t often feel ‘real’ - Graham’s always good to watch but many of the other characters and dialogue just don’t ring true. I prefer plot-focused stories, not a big budget mini soap opera of endless gloom.

Very impressive acting and direction, but the fourth episode gets a bit PSAey as well as too showman-like.

Superb, particularly the brilliantly written third episode in which Dohery and Cooper turn in astoundingly good performances. Those who would like to watch something similar to the fourth episode should check out 'Mass'.

It had neither a mystery nor a very strong story; it was just a deep drama.

Gutting, gripping, and painfully authentic. This dramatic miniseries contains some of the most emotionally potent acting and writing ever to grace the small screen. The themes are almost too numerous to count: social media culture, bullying, masculinity, fatherhood, parenting, family, anger, helplessness, and of course, adolescence. Over four 50ish minute installments they are explored honestly and thoroughly, leaving much to value and consider. Owen Cooper is a star in the making.

E1: The interrogation technique in the series is absolutely shocking and the story is not logical. A murder happens at 1015pm. The next morning they have CCTV and all the evidence allready? You point a weapon at a 13 yr old and then conduct a rapid-fire interrogation, trying to put words in his mouth and pressure him into a confession... This is exactly how miscarriages of justice happen. E3: And then put him in a mental hospital before trial to be reviewed by a seemingly unstable psychologist.