Is Adolescence an amazing web series or just an overhyped dud sold by celebrities with agendas?
There seems to be a trend in the past few years of Bollywood blatantly lying about the “perfection” and “admiration” of certain films, web series, and actors. Take, for instance, the recently released web series Adolescence, which seems to be the best thing on Netflix right now if one were to believe the likes of Anurag Kashyap and Alia Bhatt.
I’ve seen the web series, and believe me when I say this, it is a snooze fest laced with good acting. It is so boring that one has to repeatedly remind oneself to stay awake to finish its torturous (one-take) four episodes.
Celebs lying through their teeth
Let’s go back a few weeks, when the disastrous Nadaaniyan, the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan also starring Khushi Kapoor, was released (coincidentally on Netflix). On scrolling social media, one was flooded with reels promoting the film, but a particular one stood out to me. A certain actor Archana Puran Singh (who also has a brief appearance in the film) showered praises on its lead actors. All one could do was roll their eyes because what Archana was saying contradicted what the audiences and critics were feeling. Ibrahim and Khushi gave horrendous performances. A few days later, I came across a reel where Archana is asked about the plans for her sons; guess what she says? One of her boys is becoming an actor and is currently “auditioning”. This was where I added two and two together. It made me realise that almost every time a celebrity praises a film or web series or fellow actor, there has to be some hidden work connection or future project or offer tied to that “praise”.
The sad part is they just lie through their teeth. Alia praising Adolescence out of the blue might seem to contradict what I just said. However, it may be noteworthy to know that most of her recent films, including Heart of Stone and Darlings, were released on Netflix.
Anurag, while praising the show, blasted Netflix India, even though one of his biggest successes in the last few years, Sacred Games, has been a Netflix India product. His other ventures, like, The Lunchbox, Bombay Talkies, Lust Stories, etc., are also streaming on Netflix. He feels if a subject like Adolescence were to be pitched to Netflix India, they “most probably would have rejected it or turned it into a 90-minute film”. Oh Mr Kashyap, how I wish Adolescence was indeed rejected or turned into a 90-minute film instead of the painfully slow time-waster that it is.
My Problem with Adolescence
The length: This four-episode web series could have easily been just two episodes. Not only does it drag the story, but it also does a grave injustice to the precious time of the audience.
Unanswered questions: There are certain scenes in the show where I found myself having more questions than answers. The boy swears to his father that he didn’t kill the girl. Yet during police interrogation, the father-son are shown CCTV footage of the actual crime, and we as an audience don’t get to see it. So did he kill the girl or not? Why did the female doctor evaluating him tolerate his disturbing behaviour? The list goes on and on.
One take, no thank you: The thing that is being raved about is how all four episodes were shot in one take. As an audience, it was probably the worst thing to witness. I am reminded of a one take episode shot by the team of CID way back in 2004 and even that was far more entertaining than this “perfect web series”. Not undermining the hard work put in by the team, but how long can one tolerate a still camera and just one location, especially in episode three? It boasts excellent acting but an awful screenplay and direction. No wonder the director of the show (Stephen Graham) was shocked when he came to know about the show’s popularity among Indian celebs. He knows he has made a substandard series.
Episode 4: The absolute worst part of the whole series and something that could have easily been done away with. It shows how the killer boy’s parents and sister are trying to get back to normal. I found myself wondering what on earth the makers were thinking. A teen girl has been killed, and they want us to empathise with the family of the murderer? Also, it was the most boring episode despite there being movement by the characters in a minivan.
The real entertainers: Want a solid recommendation from me that will keep you on the edge of your seat despite knowing (or not knowing) everything about the case? Grab your favourite snacks and watch American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson on Netflix. This four-part docuseries based on the 1994 double homicide of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman is an excellent one, very well directed and not boring even for one second, unlike Adolescence. It is indeed the closest thing to “perfection” on Netflix at the moment.
Netflix also has a series (set in different countries) titled Criminal. If you want to watch the perpetrators being interrogated by cops and brought to justice, this one is highly recommended.
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