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If you loved the intense, immersive experience of Netflix’s Adolescence, where the camera follows the characters without cutting away, you’re in for a treat. Some filmmakers have taken on the daunting challenge of crafting an entire movie in a single, unbroken shot, creating a unique sense of intimacy and urgency. Achieving a one-shot film is no small feat—it demands meticulous planning, exhaustive rehearsals, and absolute coordination between the cast and crew. Directors and cinematographers often spend months strategizing every movement, ensuring that the choreography of the camera, actors, and environment flows seamlessly. When done right, this technique blurs the line between fiction and reality, pulling viewers deeper into the narrative and making every second count. Here are some of the most impressive one-shot movies that push the boundaries of filmmaking.
1917 (2019), Director:Sam Mendes
1917 (2019) is one of the most talked-about single-shot movies, directed by Sam Mendes. Although it cleverly uses hidden cuts, the movie is crafted to feel like one continuous shot, following two British soldiers in World War I on a mission to deliver a critical message. Mendes worked with cinematographer Roger Deakins, whose exceptional camera work and lighting made the seamless, relentless journey possible. Deakins shared in an interview that planning each segment took months, and rehearsals were as intense as the shooting itself. The film won several Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, solidifying its place in cinema history.
Birdman (2014), Director:Alejandro González Iñárritu
Another remarkable one-shot film is Birdman (2014), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. This dark comedy-drama stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up actor trying to revive his career on Broadway. Iñárritu’s approach to blending reality and illusion was mirrored in the way the camera moves fluidly through the narrow hallways of the theater. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, known for his mastery of natural light, played a crucial role in achieving the continuous shot effect. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is celebrated for its innovative filmmaking.
Also, Read – All Alejandro González Iñárritu Movies Ranked
Russian Ark (2002), Director:Alexander Sokurov
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Russian Ark (2002) is a more literal interpretation of the one-shot film, as it’s genuinely filmed in a single 96-minute take without any hidden cuts. Directed by Alexander Sokurov, the movie takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through 300 years of Russian history, all within the grand halls of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Over 2,000 actors and extras were involved, and the entire film had to be perfectly synchronized, as there was no room for mistakes. It’s a technical marvel that still stands out as a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Victoria (2015), Director:Sebastian Schipper
Victoria (2015), directed by Sebastian Schipper, is another one-shot wonder that follows a young Spanish woman navigating a chaotic night in Berlin. What makes Victoria special is that the entire film was shot in real-time, with no hidden cuts or digital trickery. Schipper and his crew shot the film in one of just three takes, and the actors had to be spontaneous and present in every moment. The result is a raw, unfiltered, and gripping portrayal of youth, crime, and consequence.
Boiling Point (2021), Director:Philip Barantini
Boiling Point (2021), directed by Philip Barantini, follows a stressed head chef played by Stephen Graham as he navigates the chaos of a London restaurant on the busiest night of the year. Filmed in a single take, the film’s tension builds relentlessly, capturing the pressure, tempers, and teamwork behind the kitchen doors. The crew had only four attempts to get the take right, making it a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved.
Keep an eye out for more movies like these as filmmakers continue to explore the boundaries of storytelling and technology. The one-shot approach might seem like a gimmick, but in the right hands, it becomes a powerful tool to pull you into the world of the characters, leaving you breathless and completely absorbed.
Silent House (2011), Directors:Chris Kentis,Laura Lau
Silent House (2011), a psychological horror film directed by Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, gives a chilling experience in a one-shot style. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, the film follows a young woman trapped in a creepy lakeside house. The filmmakers cleverly used continuous filming techniques to enhance the tension and claustrophobia, making the audience feel trapped alongside the character.
Utøya: July 22 (2018), Distributed by:Nordisk Film
Utøya: July 22 (2018), directed by Erik Poppe, is a haunting depiction of the 2011 Norway attacks. The entire film is a 72-minute continuous shot that follows a young girl’s fight for survival. Poppe used real-time storytelling to emphasize the terror and helplessness experienced by the victims, making it a deeply impactful and emotional experience.
Rope (1948), Director:Alfred Hitchcock
Rope (1948), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is often considered the granddaddy of the one-shot concept. Although limited by the technology of its time, Hitchcock cleverly used long takes and hidden cuts to make it seem like one continuous shot. The film follows two young men who commit a murder just for the thrill of it and then host a dinner party with the victim’s body hidden in the room. Hitchcock’s intention was to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension, drawing the audience deeper into the twisted minds of the protagonists. While Rope didn’t receive as much acclaim upon its release, it has since become a classic, admired for its technical innovation and daring approach.
