Jack Thorne, the co-writer behind the new Netflix show, Adolescence, has shed light on why the infamous 'one-take' filming approach was so integral to the plot. The award-winning writer scripted the show with actor Stephen Graham, who also portrayed one of the lead characters, Eddie Miller, in the limited series.
For those yet to watch Adolescence, it follows the Miller family, whose world is turned upside down when their 13-year-old son, Jamie (Owen Cooper), is accused of killing his female classmate.
The four episodes have proven to be so powerful in sparking important conversations about protecting the next generation from harmful online content, that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has supported calls for Adolescence to be shown in schools and Parliament.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Thorne explained the reasoning for the 'one-take' technique, revealing that it "forces you to be partial" as a viewer. He said: "What you can't do is tell the whole story, you can only tell bits of the story. You can only look one way for an hour, and then you have to stop looking."
Thorne then added that the "unblinking eye" forces you "into complexity, and hopefully forces the audience into complexity."
The writer continued, explaining that it was important for them not to tell the story in a "traditional way." By this, he meant that the approach only allowed for small explorations between characters - specifically Jamie's relationship with his father, Eddie. But, the lack of further moments encourages viewers to make their own inferences. And of course, to start these all-important discussions.
Thorne concluded, noting that "as a writer," this approach "forces you into interesting conversations."
Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix.
