Adolescence: Were all the Episodes Really Filmed in one-take? Shooting Details Revealed
Netflix's latest British crime drama, Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham, has captivated audiences not just with its gripping story but with its groundbreaking filming technique. The four-part series, which follows 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) accused of murdering a fellow teenager, was filmed in an extraordinary way—each episode was shot in a single continuous take. But was it truly all done in one shot?
Yes, Adolescence was Really Filmed in one take
Unlike other projects that use hidden cuts to create the illusion of a one-take sequence, Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham, actually pulled it off. Cinematographer Matthew Lewis confirmed this in an interview with Variety, stating:
“There’s no stitching of takes together. It was one entire shot, whether I wanted it to be or not.”
The process was incredibly demanding, requiring precise planning, extensive rehearsals, and a technically complex execution. Lewis described the filming as a “dance” between the camera and the actors, carefully choreographed to capture everything seamlessly.
Netflix later provided additional details on how they managed the ambitious project. Each episode was filmed at least ten times over five days, with morning and afternoon takes. Some episodes required even more attempts. The final episodes we see on Netflix were chosen from these takes:
- Episode 1 – Take 2 (shot on Day 1 of 5)
- Episode 2 – Take 13 (shot on Day 5 of 5)
- Episode 3 – Take 11 (shot on Day 5 of 5)
- Episode 4 – Take 16 (shot on Day 5 of 5)
Q: Which takes were chosen for the final episodes?
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 15, 2025
Ep 1 - Take 2 - shot on shoot day 1 of 5
Ep 2 - Take 13 - shot on shoot day 5 of 5
Ep 3 - Take 11 - shot on shoot day 5 of 5
Ep 4 - Take 16 - shot on shoot day 5 of 5
The Challenges of a one-take Filming Style
Filming in one take presented unique challenges, especially in episode two, which took place in a high school filled with hundreds of students. According to Lewis:
“It was an absolute nightmare. All of the kids are from the school we were filming in. Every teacher was an AD [assistant director], and when the camera wasn’t pointing at them, they were ushering people through.”
Another major challenge was episode three, which featured an intense therapy session between Jamie and psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty). This episode, filmed first, tested young actor Owen Cooper’s ability to carry an hour-long, uninterrupted scene. Director Philip Barantini recalled:
“Is he listening to me? Then he’ll go and do a take, and every single note will be nailed.” (via TV Line)
His inexperience in front of the camera turned out to be an asset, as he had no preconceived notions about how filming usually works. Lewis described his approach as:
“His naiveté was a superpower.” (via Variety)
The Stunning Technical Feats
The production also had to overcome immense technical hurdles. The final scene of episode two, which moves from Jamie’s school to the crime scene, required a creative solution. They attached the camera to a drone mid-shot, allowing it to fly 0.3 miles to where Stephen Graham’s character, Eddie, was placing flowers. Barantini explained:
“I think we found a way to make the camera fly.” (via TV Line)
For episode four, the crew had to film a van ride without breaking the single-take rule. They mounted a camera to the front of the van, while a crew member controlled the vehicle from a rig attached to the roof.
Despite the pressure, the team’s meticulous planning and collaboration paid off. As director of photography Matthew Lewis put it:
“Before each take, my heart is pounding. Absolutely everyone feels it, because everyone knows how important their job is.”
A Remarkable Cinematic Achievement
The dedication behind Adolescence’s production makes it one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects. The single-take approach enhances the realism and intensity, pulling audiences deeper into Jamie’s harrowing journey. With its innovative storytelling and technical brilliance, Adolescence is set to be remembered as one of Netflix’s boldest cinematic achievements.
Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix.
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