ADOLESCENCE (Netflix) is one of those shows that makes you question why you should even leave home to go to the movie theater when streaming services are the ones delivering masterpieces.

This limited series, set in the aftermath of a teenager’s murder, portrays with brutal realism the details of the investigation and the devastating impact of the crime on the suspect’s family and the students at the victim’s school.

Like God, great shows lie in the details, and Adolescence highlights aspects that other productions simply overlook. Each of its four episodes unfolds as an extended sequence, focusing on a different dimension of the story. As a teacher, I found the episode set in the school particularly shocking—the rampant bullying, lack of discipline, demotivated teachers (who seem to rely almost entirely on showing videos and films), and the cryptic world of teenage social media interactions. It’s astounding how adults remain oblivious to the intricate system of coded communication embedded in emojis and slang.

“Why do all schools have the same smell?” a frustrated police officer asks at one point. “It’s like a mixture of vomit, cabbage and masturbation. It’s horrible.”

This blunt remark sets the sobering tone of the show.

The acting is superb. Don’t miss it.

Have you watched the show yet? Please leave your comments below.

Jorge Sette