‘Adoration’ (2024) Netflix Series Review - Full of Secrets

In Adoration, suspense seeps into every frame, starting with an ominous feeling that someone is about to vanish. That premonition becomes reality as the story unravels over 12 hours in the lives of two teenage girls, Elena and Vanessa.

Elena and Vanessa, inseparable best friends, thrive on their shared audacity. In the opening scenes, the duo shoplifts with daring precision, reveling in their rebellious escapades. Their camaraderie, however, is tested when they check their exam results. While Vanessa celebrates her success, Elena is confronted with failure. Beneath her façade of nonchalance, a seed of jealousy takes root, setting the tone for their diverging paths.

Elena's behavior becomes erratic—she appears distant and consumed by something unsaid. When Vanessa attempts to approach her, she notices Elena’s boyfriend at her house and tells her not to intervene. What follows is a puzzling turn of events: Elena lies to her boyfriend about her plans for the evening and instead leaves with a mysterious man.

The real mystery begins the next day when Elena's absence is noticed. Vanessa is initially hurt that her best friend forgot to wish her on her birthday, but her concern escalates when Elena doesn’t show up for work. The unease spreads through their close-knit community as Elena’s phone is discovered at her home, yet she is nowhere to be found.  The question is where is Elena? Is she alive?

Adoration masterfully captures the essence of teenage fragility and the complexity of friendship. The contrast between Vanessa's growing worry and Elena’s shadowy choices builds an emotional resonance. As the search for Elena intensifies, the series delves into how a community responds to the sudden disappearance of one of its own.

What makes Adoration particularly compelling is its nuanced portrayal of relationships. The underlying tension in Elena and Vanessa's bond highlights how envy, secrets, and silence can erode even the strongest friendships. Meanwhile, the show effectively uses its supporting characters to depict the ripple effects of a missing person—how suspicion, fear, and grief affect everyone differently.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the mounting dread. Each scene adds a piece to the puzzle, creating an immersive experience. The series leaves viewers questioning: How well do we truly know the people closest to us?

Director Stefano Mordini masterfully crafts Adoration into a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. The meticulous attention to pacing and mood ensures the series maintains an air of suspense throughout, seamlessly blending moments of tension, introspection, and emotional depth. Mordini’s ability to explore complex relationships and layered emotions without resorting to melodrama is a testament to directorial finesse. The cast delivers standout performances that elevate the series into a deeply engaging emotional drama. Alice Lupparelli shines as Elena, embodying the character's duality with remarkable nuance. Her portrayal captures Elena's rebellious charm and hidden vulnerability, making her disappearance all the more haunting.

Noemi Megagnini is equally compelling as Vanessa. She brings to life a thoughtful and loyal teenager grappling with confusion, betrayal, and mounting concern for her best friend. Her performance grounds the series, providing an emotional anchor as the story unravels.

Giulio Brizzi’s Giorgio adds intrigue to the narrative. Luigi Bruno, as Gianmarco, provides a layered performance that contributes to the series' exploration. The supporting cast deserves special mention for their ability to enrich the storyline without overshadowing the main characters. Each actor delivers a performance that feels authentic, reflecting the raw, unfiltered emotions of a community in turmoil.

Adoration is a gripping exploration of the human psyche and the fragility of trust. It’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and intricate character dramas.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times