Adolescence
NZ release: 13 March 2025
Offensive language, sexual themes, violence Rated on: 13 March 2025
What’s it about?
When 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested on suspicion of killing his classmate, his and his family’s life is turned upside down.
The facts
- Directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point)
- Stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty and Ashley Walters
- English language
- Runtime: 4 episodes, each around 1 hour long
- Netflix original miniseries
Why did it get this rating?
This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.
Each episode of Adolescence is filmed in one continuous shot, making it feel raw and real. The series looks at how social media affects children, including the rise of misogyny and how easily young people can access extreme views online. While the content below might sound suitable, consider that the realistic style and heavy themes make it an intense watch.
Offensive language
There is frequent use of swear words “f**k” and “f**king.”
Violence
On a computer screen we see CCTV footage of a character being stabbed. This is only played once throughout the series. As the shot is quite grainy and far away, no detail or blood is seen.
Police break down a door and enter a home with guns drawn, aiming at the characters, including children. No one is shot, but the scene is very tense and dramatic.
In a schoolyard fight, one character knocks another to the ground and begins kicking them. While the kicking happens off screen, the camera pans down afterwards to the injured character on the ground with a bleeding nose.
Sexual themes
The series has a few verbal references to sex and pornography, including a short discussion around what a character would do with a girlfriend if they had one.
Helplines:
Themes of violence against girls and women could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
Further information
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