It’s been five days since I saw Adolescence and it is lodged in my mind, lingering in its corners – shifting, stirring, sometimes demanding attention, sometimes settling into the background, but never quite leaving. The hard-hitting introduction to a reality I did not know existed has left me in a spin. The technical brilliance of the show has as much to do with the impact it has left on its viewers as its message.
Fifteen minutes into the first episode and my mum and I were already feeling tense and breathless – which is when I realized that it had been the same single shot, since the beginning. (I had not read any reviews of the show till then and did not know that each episode was done in a single shot.) The one-take episodes created an intense, immersive experience, pulling us into the raw emotions of each character. It is literally like pure, unedited life unfolding right in front of us – and there is no escape, no filter.
The second episode plunged into the deeper tensions of teen life, the camera capturing moments of high school life weaving from classroom to cafeteria to school corridors. But it was the moment when Adam exposed just how clueless his dad really was that felt like a fault line cracking open. It was a stark wake-up call—there’s an entire world teens navigate, one we hardly scratch the surface of. When seemingly harmless emojis could mean something so different than what they appear to – how much happens beneath the surface, in a language we barely understand. I had to rewind a couple of times to understand what Adam was trying to tell his dad.
The third episode—a true display of acting brilliance —sees Jamie embody the full spectrum of teen emotions, shifting effortlessly from charming and playful to sharp-witted and, at times, completely untethered in rage. The suppressed rage and sense of shame he carried simmered just beneath the surface, exploding in moments both raw and heartbreaking—proof of the emotional turmoil teens often mask behind indifference or defiance. Watching him unravel, I couldn’t help but wonder—how much of this do my own boys hold inside, hidden behind casual shrugs and quiet moments?
After the relentlessness of episode 3, the fourth episode seemed tame, even slow to begin with. And then before you realise you are caught up in the self -reflection of Jamie’s parents. “Where did we go wrong….” their guilt, shame, regrets and unspoken fears. The last scene is absolutely heartbreaking and I am sure no parent would be left dry eyed.
Why has the show shaken everyone?
Because it mirrors all of our lives in one way or another. Jamie could be any one of our sons. He is not the typical ‘bad boy’ as shown in movies – not a rich brat, no dark past, not the product of a broken home, no abuse. He comes from a simple home, with loving parents.
Watching his parents question their choices, wondering where they went wrong, or simply trying to understand the silent distance between them and their children, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own parenting.
Boys are easier to raise than girls. Really?
When my twins were born and I was a bit disappointed about not having any girl, many people told me that I should be happy because it is easier to raise boys. And with me being a working, travelling momma, I could do well without the stress of raising a girl and being worried about her safety and security.
But I was never convinced. I always felt, it is a bigger job to raise ‘good’ boys. The patriarchal world we live in, is not kind to boys either – and while in the circles we live in, parents have started raising strong independent girls, there is still so much left to do when it comes to raising strong, sensitive boys—boys who are kind, emotionally aware, and unafraid to challenge outdated norms.
How can I do better as a parent?
I decided to ask my eldest. We share a good relationship, and I am proud of the way he is turning out to be, but I know I can do better. His advice to parents, “TALK TO THE KIDS” (yes, half his chat is in caps!! facepalm). When I told him, it is not always easy, considering how they shut us out (first year of his boarding …. Soooper tough to have a proper phone conversation with him… next year became better), his response was, “FIGURE IT OUT!” and then more kindly he added that all kids are different, it is not a cookie cutter approach.
So yes, in this shunted sort of a conversation, I think I did manage to capture the essence – it is ultimately our job as parents to figure out how to reach our kids. And each of our kids are different – so different tactics need to be involved. I see it with my own – they are as similar as chalk and cheese.
Start young
Continuing with the above thought – our teen won’t suddenly be opening up to us, if we haven’t established the foundation of meaningful conversations early on. I have now intentionally started engaging my eight-year-old in more thoughtful conversations. Until now, most of our interactions felt like a one-way parent-to-child dynamic, but I can sense him maturing, ready for more meaningful exchanges. With my elder one too, it was around 8-9 years of age that I started developing a one-on-one relationship with him.
In my opinion, this is the only real way we’ll ever know what our kids are thinking and feeling—by building a relationship where open conversation is the norm, not the exception. There’s no realistic way to monitor every aspect of their lives, especially since now the external world is easily within their reach – with unknown often sinister influences. We can’t possibly keep track of every digital interaction, every conversation they have at school, or every influence they encounter outside the house.
What we can do is create a space where they feel safe enough to share, where talking to us isn’t just an obligation but something they actually want to do. If they trust that we’ll listen without judgment, they’re far more likely to come to us when it really matters—when they’re confused, when they’re struggling, or when they just need to be heard. But that trust isn’t built overnight; it starts early, in the small everyday conversations, long before the bigger challenges of adolescence come into play.
As parents, our role is to guide, listen, and support, even when the path seems unclear or the challenges overwhelming. The teenage years can be tough—for both parents and kids—but by fostering open communication, empathy, and trust, we can help our teens navigate this crucial stage of their lives with confidence and understanding. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being there when they need us the most. Keep the conversations going, and remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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Regards, Sakshi aka tripleamommy
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I clicked in expecting a light take on TV shows, but what I got was a deep, honest reflection on adolescence—and it was so relatable. That feeling of being unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster, even when you’re just trying to unwind with a show? Been there! 😅 I loved how you tied the onscreen drama to real-life parenting moments—it gave the post so much heart. Even though I’m not a parent, your words made me think about my own teen years and how much we all carry from that time.
I watched the first episode. It was so deep, I didn’t go ahead. Will watch the whole show when I am more ready. We were puppies following parents forever. I wonder how mature people react when the kids keep hiding and then out comes this huge shocker. It’s scary for sure.
I watched the first… And then finished the whole series in the same day. And want to watch it again!
I am hearing much about the show of late. Since, of late, I have been selecting more light-hearted entertainment, I think I will skip this for the time being. Your tips for teenage parents are very valuable.
Did it punch you in the gut? It gave me nightmares in the day. Adolescence was recommended in a couple of groups and, out of natural curiosity, I binge-watched last Saturday. I was alone at home and I dozed off in the afternoon and woke up with a start. I usually dont dream too in the night and this in the afternoon shook me up. My grandson is going to be 11 in June and is being brought up by my DIL, in Mexico. I am worried sick of what will become of him as a teenager. I know there is bullying in schools there and he is a soft-spoken, introvert like my son. I am getting goosebumps 😦
So many recommendation and the review. I am bit confused to watch or not. I am having girl who is in pre -tin era and your post is really going to help me. I make sure that I am always available to my kid.
Thankfully my little one is not that prone to Television and still inclined to cartoon and honestly I myself dont have much time for screen time for entertainment, so I am far away from these types of shows. So I am not the right candidate to talk or comment much on this valuable topic because I need to know it better before I give some views.
Oh it hit hard , that’s true.
I actually shed a few tears in the final scene when the Father was tearing himself apart and crying for not showing his love for his boy. It hit hard that as parents we may just be clueless and bumbling and keep on believing in fairytales while our children are growing and surviving in an entirely different stratosphere. It is scary that a parent just feeding and clothing and taking care of their education is not enough to be a good parent , you need to make them see that you love and care for them that they are precious to you.
Also the crime of one would affect the lives of the whole family was another thing and yet they believed in him and loved him , that was so tender and beautiful.
Oh man! I cannot get enough of this show. Definitely a ‘punch in the gut’ as you said, especially that third episode where the boy totally flips and we see the violent streak he’s capable of unleashing. It’s so true that certain shows can deeply affect us, especially when they tap into emotions or life experiences we haven’t fully processed. I totally agree with your point about how ‘adolescence can feel like an emotional rollercoaster,’ and watching such shows can be both cathartic, eye-opening, and for me it was also a bit of schooling on the toxic and misogynistic concepts like incel, 80/20, and red pill/blue pill.
I just started with the first episode but had to pause due to some work. Although I did not expect it to be so deep dark and cathartic but now having read your post, i am scared to watch it. But i know i should. Your points on how to connectvwith ypur kids is incredibly helpful. Thanks!
I’ve watched half of this movie so far, and as a mom of a teenager, it really hit me. The way you described the struggles teens go through and how hard it is to truly understand their emotions was so eye-opening. Your effort to engage with your kids early on is something I really admire. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful reflection.
Your review captures the emotional depth of *Adolescence* so powerfully. The rawness of teen struggles and the weight of parenting reflections hit hard. Raising emotionally aware boys is just as crucial as empowering girls!
That’s quite a resourceful post. I don’t think I will watch the series though. Not much of video consumer.
Yes adolescence hits you hard . I think most parents are wondering about social media’s impact on young minds. You have put it all down succinctly
I am watching this too and haven’t finished it yet. But I really felt sorry for the boy in the first episode and wondered if this is really how kids are treated when suspected of a crime. In episode 2, the school scene was disturbing, and I was shocked that so much happens in school that we parents aren’t aware of. Social media and the emoji language of the latest gen are something we will never understand, but I learned that we must try to; we cannot say we don’t understand. As a mother of a neurodivergent teen boy, I am anxious but aware and yet feel that no matter how much we try, there is still so much to discover beneath the surface.
I actually thought the boy was treated very well, considering how our own police force treats people.
I’ve heard a lot about this show but couldn’t find it in my heart to watch it yet. Considering how deeply involved I am, seems like it’s going to give me a seriously restless time. Something to ponder upon though.
I just finished watching it. It is giving me nightmares.
It’s strange how people are amazed at the length of time or scenes shot in one take, yet stage actors do the same day in day out several times a week. The subject matter sounds emotional to watch. So thank you for your welcomed review.
The one take shots are not common at all. There is no place for error during the entire episode because they are being shot in one go. There’s no retake if a mistake happens – you need to reshoot the whole episode. Sometimes it was the 11th or 16th episode that was finalised. Stage actors don’t have a camera following them… Which adds to the complexity of shooting. Plus stage actors are in one place while here the camera moved in and out of locations. So the technical brilliance cannot be overlooked.
I haven’t seen the show yet but reading this made me want to. It sounds like something every teacher should see—especially the part about what teens hide behind emojis and silence.
I know I have to watch this but it feels so scary that I am unable to. I will though and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks!
I’ve tried to establish a very open and communicative relationship with my 9-year-old boy and I hope it stays that way.