Some TV shows are created simply to be entertaining, a slice of escapism when the real world feels just too, well, real. Others exist for those water cooler moments where everyone has a theory on what might happen next or hidden meanings. And then there are shows like Netflix's new limited series Adolescence (written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and expertly directed by Philip Barantini) which although utterly brilliant in every way, leaves the viewer feeling like they've been punched in the gut.

What makes Adolescence so utterly compelling, is not just the fabulous cast, but a combination of the heartbreaking script, the incredible direction, and the phenomenal cinematography. Whilst sometimes non-standard filming techniques can appear gimmicky, too flashy, or even take the viewer out of the show, the use of the single-take shot or ‘oner' in Adolescence (shout-out to DOP Matthew Lewis) truly makes the original series go from nine to ten.

Split into four episodes of around 60 minutes, Adolescence does something more unusual with this type of ‘inspired by true events' drama and spends time with the suspect, his family and friends rather than focusing on the victim and those around her.

Episode one begins with a frightening wake-up call for the Miller family as armed police break into their house and arrest 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) for the murder of schoolmate, Katie (Emilia Holliday). The filming of the episode feels natural as the characters move from the Miller's home to the police station where Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham) acts as Jamie's appropriate adult, leading into the interview conducted by DI Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and DS Misha Frank (Faye Marsay). This sets the tone for the rest of the series with a truly desolate ending.

The lead and supporting cast of Adolescence are incredible, especially considering many of the younger actors have little acting experience. The show's creator Stephen Graham also gives a stellar performance as the young boy's father, but the MVP of the Netflix original has to be Owen Cooper as the protagonist, Jamie. Unbelievably, Adolescence was Cooper's first acting role, yet he delivers an incredible performance that is raw, innocent and unsettling.

Adolescence's choice to focus on the why of the situation rather than a traditional whodunit narrative is compelling, allowing the audience to invest in its characters in such a short space of time. It's fly on the wall style heightens the impact of the tragedy on every person involved, with episode three in particular being a standout. It serves as a masterclass in exposition and tension, expertly executed by Cooper and Erin Doherty, who plays psychologist Briony Ariston, in a tense 60-minute duologue.

Adolescence‘s final episode leaves the viewer breathless. The revelations and repercussions of Jamie's actions have lasting impacts upon the Millers and the wider community, creating teaching moments instead of the cherished water cooler moment many expect. As a result, Adolescence‘s message could not be clearer and that is the true brilliance behind Thorne and Graham's Netflix series.

All four episodes of Adolescence are available on Netflix now.