Adolescence (Episode One)

It’s tempting to resort to calling the filmmaking style a cool gimmick (and it is on some level), but it wouldn’t be worth celebrating if it were done without motivation, and the purpose is clear as day. By forcing us into these moments, without possibility of reprieve, we feel what it’s like to be in this nightmare scenario, unable to look away while hoping against hope it is already over. Superlative praise needs to be heaped on everything from acting, writing, and cinematography, but it’s all buildup to the shattering final image, handily earned by what’s led up to it.

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