Understanding One-Shot Cinema: A Case Study of Adolescence
Introduction
Cinema has always been a powerful medium of storytelling, constantly evolving through new techniques that enhance the audience's experience. Among these techniques, one shot filmmaking stands out for its ability to present a story in one continuous take without visible cuts. Unlike conventional films that rely on frequent editing, a one shot film creates the feeling of witnessing events as they naturally unfold in real time. This uninterrupted flow strengthens realism, builds emotional intensity, and draws viewers deeper into the narrative. In recent years, several filmmakers have embraced this challenging style not merely to showcase technical excellence but to enrich storytelling itself. Through this blog, I explore the concept of one shot filmmaking, its artistic significance, and how the Netflix series Adolescence demonstrates the true potential of this unique cinematic approach.
What is a One Shot Film?
A one shot film, also known as a one take or continuous shot film, is a film or television episode that is captured in a single uninterrupted take or is carefully designed to appear as though it has been filmed without any visible cuts. Unlike traditional filmmaking, where multiple shots are edited together to create a seamless story, a one shot film maintains a continuous visual flow from beginning to end. This technique allows the audience to experience the events in real time, creating a stronger sense of presence and emotional involvement.
The idea of one shot filmmaking is not simply about avoiding edits. It is about making the camera an active participant in the story. As it follows the characters without interruption, the audience feels as though they are moving alongside them and witnessing every moment as it happens. This continuous perspective often creates greater tension, realism, and intimacy because there are no breaks to distract viewers or shift their attention.
Although one shot filmmaking appears effortless on screen, it is one of the most demanding techniques in cinema. Every movement of the actors, camera operators, lighting crew, sound team, and background performers must be perfectly coordinated. Even a small mistake can require the entire scene to be performed again. For this reason, one shot films demand extensive rehearsals, careful choreography, and exceptional teamwork.
Many renowned filmmakers have used this technique to create memorable cinematic experiences. Films such as Rope, Russian Ark, Victoria, Boiling Point, and the recent Netflix series Adolescence demonstrate how the one shot format can become an important storytelling tool rather than merely a technical achievement. When used effectively, it strengthens the emotional connection between the audience and the narrative, making the experience more immersive and unforgettable.
History and Evolution of One Shot Filmmaking
Although one shot filmmaking has become increasingly popular in recent years, the technique has existed for several decades. One of the earliest filmmakers to experiment with this style was Alfred Hitchcock, whose film Rope (1948) was designed to appear as one continuous take. Due to the technical limitations of film reels at the time, hidden cuts were carefully placed to maintain the illusion of continuity. Since then, advancements in digital filmmaking have made it possible for directors to create even longer uninterrupted sequences with greater precision.
Over the years, many filmmakers have explored the artistic possibilities of the one shot format. Films such as Russian Ark (2002), which was filmed in a genuine continuous take, Victoria (2015), Boiling Point (2021), and the Indian films Iravin Nizhal (2022) and Agadam (2014) have demonstrated how this technique can enhance storytelling rather than simply showcase technical excellence. Some acclaimed films, including Birdman (2014) and 1917 (2019), were carefully edited to create the convincing illusion of a single continuous shot, proving that the emotional impact of the technique can be achieved through both actual and simulated one shot filmmaking.
Today, one shot cinema is recognised as one of the most challenging and innovative forms of filmmaking. Rather than using the technique merely to impress audiences, contemporary filmmakers employ it to create realism, sustain dramatic tension, strengthen emotional engagement, and immerse viewers in the unfolding narrative. As technology continues to evolve, one shot filmmaking remains a powerful example of how cinematic form can become an essential part of storytelling itself.
Case Studies of One Shot Filmmaking
Case Study 1: Adolescence (2025)
The Netflix limited series Adolescence, directed by Philip Barantini, is one of the most remarkable contemporary examples of one shot filmmaking. Each of its four episodes is presented in a single continuous take, allowing the audience to experience every moment without interruption. Rather than using the technique merely as a visual achievement, the creators employ it to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative.
One of the series' most distinctive features is that it immediately reveals Jamie's arrest, shifting the audience's attention away from discovering the criminal and towards understanding the reasons behind his actions. The uninterrupted camera movement keeps viewers emotionally connected to every conversation, silence, and reaction, making it impossible to distance themselves from the unfolding events. As a result, the series encourages empathy instead of judgement and invites viewers to reflect on the complex social and emotional factors that influence young lives.
The production itself was equally extraordinary. Each episode required weeks of rehearsals involving actors, camera operators, technicians, and hundreds of supporting performers. Since there were no opportunities to hide mistakes through editing, every movement had to be perfectly coordinated. Adolescence demonstrates that one shot filmmaking is not simply a technical experiment but a storytelling method capable of creating realism, emotional intensity, and meaningful audience engagement.
Case Study 2: 1917 (2019)
Directed by Sam Mendes, 1917 is another celebrated example of one shot filmmaking. Although the film is not actually recorded in a single continuous take, it is carefully edited to create the convincing illusion of one uninterrupted journey. The story follows two British soldiers during the First World War as they race against time to deliver a crucial message that could save hundreds of lives.
The continuous visual style places the audience alongside the soldiers throughout their dangerous mission. Instead of observing the war from a distance, viewers experience every obstacle, moment of fear, and emotional challenge almost in real time. The absence of noticeable cuts creates constant suspense and reinforces the urgency of the narrative. In 1917, the one shot illusion is not merely a technical achievement but an essential storytelling device that immerses the audience in the harsh realities of war and makes the journey feel immediate and deeply personal.
Both Adolescence and 1917 demonstrate that one shot filmmaking is most effective when it serves the story rather than simply displaying technical brilliance. While Adolescence explores emotional and psychological realities through uninterrupted observation, 1917 uses the same cinematic approach to create tension, urgency, and a powerful sense of immersion during wartime.
Why One Shot Filmmaking Matters
One shot filmmaking is much more than a technical achievement. It is a creative storytelling technique that changes the way audiences experience a film. Since there are no visible cuts, viewers remain connected to the characters and their surroundings throughout the narrative. This continuous flow creates a strong sense of realism, making every conversation, movement, and emotion feel immediate and authentic. The audience is not simply watching events unfold but feels as though they are experiencing them alongside the characters.
Another important aspect of one shot filmmaking is its ability to sustain tension and emotional intensity. In conventional films, editing often provides brief moments of relief by shifting between scenes or perspectives. A one shot film removes these interruptions, allowing suspense, anxiety, and emotion to build naturally. This uninterrupted experience encourages viewers to become more emotionally invested in the story and its characters.
From a filmmaking perspective, the one shot technique also reflects exceptional teamwork and artistic precision. Actors must deliver consistent performances, camera operators must execute complex movements with accuracy, and every member of the production team must work in perfect coordination. The success of a one shot film depends not only on technology but also on careful planning, discipline, and collaboration.
The case studies of Adolescence and 1917 clearly demonstrate that the one shot technique is most effective when it serves the narrative rather than functioning as a visual spectacle. While Adolescence uses continuous shots to explore the emotional and psychological realities of adolescence, 1917 employs the same technique to immerse viewers in the urgency and danger of war. Together, these works illustrate that one shot filmmaking has the power to strengthen storytelling, deepen emotional engagement, and transform the audience's cinematic experience.
Conclusion
One shot filmmaking is far more than an impressive cinematic technique. It is a unique approach to storytelling that allows audiences to experience a narrative with greater realism, emotional depth, and continuity. By eliminating visible cuts, filmmakers create an immersive environment where every movement, expression, and moment unfolds naturally before the viewer. Through the case studies of Adolescence and 1917, it becomes evident that the true strength of one shot filmmaking lies not in its technical complexity but in its ability to enhance the story being told. While Adolescence uses the continuous take to explore the emotional and psychological realities of adolescence, 1917 employs the same technique to convey the urgency and intensity of war. Studying these works has deepened my understanding of how cinematic form can shape meaning and audience experience. Ultimately, one shot filmmaking demonstrates that when technique and storytelling work together, cinema becomes more than entertainment. It becomes an experience that stays with the audience long after the screen fades to black.
Works Cited
Adolescence. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, directed by Philip Barantini, performances by Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, and others, Netflix, 13 Mar. 2025.
Barad, Dilip. Adolescence and the Power of the One-Shot Format. Bhavnagar University, July 2025, ResearchGate, doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.34040.15360.
1917. Directed by Sam Mendes, performances by George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures, 2019.
"One-shot Film." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-shot_film. Accessed 16 July 2026.
"The Making Of Adolescence: The One-Shot Explained | Netflix." YouTube, uploaded by Still Watching Netflix, 18 Mar. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG9XUSnK9g8.
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