Adolescence

When we watch films, most of the time, we expect them to feel real — so that we can relate to the characters and, more importantly, become immersed in their world. Adolescence is the perfect example of this, and that authenticity is achieved through the cinematography and acting. The cinematography alone deserves an award. Each episode is filmed to appear as one continuous take, which gives it a documentary-like feel. Fun fact: according to the show's creator Stephen Graham, the final episode was the 14th take. Filming in this style is far more difficult than it seems, yet they embraced the challenge. The nuanced performances from the cast are also worth highlighting. In Episode 3, I witnessed what I believe to be Owen Cooper’s career-defining moment. Imo, Episode 3 stands out as the best—not just for its phenomenal acting, but also for its exploration of psychological themes.