Netflix has been on a roll lately, delivering one hit after another, and its latest offering, Adolescence, is no exception. This gripping British crime drama has already made waves, earning a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.
Premiering on Thursday, March 13, Adolescence is a four-part limited series that dives deep into a chilling and emotionally charged story. The plot follows a family whose life is shattered when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of his schoolmate. For any parent, this is an unthinkable nightmare—the kind that shakes you to your core.
The series comes from acclaimed writer Jack Thorne, known for his exceptional work on Toxic Town, another highly praised Netflix drama that also received a perfect 100% score. Thorne teamed up with Stephen Graham, a veteran actor best recognized for his roles in Boardwalk Empire, The Irishman, and Boiling Point. Graham not only co-created the series but also plays a central role as Jamie’s father. The series is directed by Philip Barantini, who previously worked with Graham on Boiling Point.
One of the most striking aspects of Adolescence is its unique storytelling technique. Each of the four episodes is filmed as one continuous shot—a bold and rare choice in television. This approach immerses the audience in the unfolding drama, making them feel as though they are right there with the characters, experiencing every tense moment in real-time.
A Story That Hits Hard-NETFLIX
The series wastes no time in pulling viewers into its harrowing tale. It begins with the police storming into the Miller family home, arresting young Jamie for the murder of his classmate, Katie. The first two episodes focus on the intense police investigation, as detectives build their case against the boy, who insists he is innocent. His father, Eddie (played by Stephen Graham), steps in as his appropriate adult, struggling to process the horrifying accusation against his son.
Unlike many crime dramas that keep the audience guessing about the suspect’s guilt, Adolescence takes a different approach. It becomes clear early on that Jamie is responsible for Katie’s death. The real question the show seeks to explore is: Why?
As the investigation unfolds, the series peels back the layers of Jamie’s world—one dominated by social media and online interactions that most adults barely understand. It is through a chilling discovery by DI Luke Bascombe (played by Ashley Walters) that the deeper issues come to light. With the help of his teenage son, Bascombe deciphers cryptic emojis and online messages that expose a disturbing reality: Jamie had been influenced by toxic online communities that promote misogynistic and dangerous ideologies. The show subtly hints at figures like Andrew Tate, whose rhetoric has infiltrated young minds, but the real horror lies in how commonplace these attitudes have become among teenage boys.
A Psychological Deep Dive
The most riveting episode of the series is the third, which centers entirely on a psychological assessment of Jamie. Erin Doherty delivers a phenomenal performance as Briony, the child psychologist tasked with evaluating Jamie before his court case. In a single, uninterrupted scene, she meticulously breaks down the boy’s thoughts and beliefs, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about himself.
What makes this scene particularly powerful is that Jamie is played by Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old actor with no prior experience, who landed the role after sending in a self-taped audition. His raw and chilling performance captures the tragic transformation of a boy who might have been just another teenager but was instead drawn into a dangerous mindset.
A Harrowing Look at Modern Masculinity
If there’s one thing Adolescence refuses to do, it’s offer easy answers. Unlike many crime dramas that fall back on clichés—abusive parents, troubled childhoods, hidden secrets—this series presents a stark and unsettling reality. Jamie comes from a relatively normal home, with loving parents who never imagined their son could be capable of such an act. But in an era where young boys are constantly bombarded with harmful messages about power, dominance, and entitlement, the question remains: how many more will be led down the same dark path?
The final episode shifts focus to the Miller family’s struggle to cope with the aftermath. While it may feel slightly weaker compared to the intensity of the previous episodes, its emotional weight is undeniable. The show forces viewers to reflect on the broader societal issue at play: what are we teaching young boys, and how can we prevent more tragedies like this in the future? Most importantly, how do we ensure that girls and women don’t continue to suffer the consequences while we try to figure it out?
A Must-Watch Drama
Adolescence is more than just another crime drama; it is a haunting and thought-provoking examination of the dangers lurking in the digital age. Its gripping performances, innovative cinematography, and unflinching storytelling make it a standout in the genre. While its subject matter is undoubtedly difficult to watch, the series is an important and necessary conversation starter.
With Adolescence, Netflix has once again proven its ability to deliver powerful and meaningful storytelling. It may not be the kind of show that dominates the streaming platform’s Top 10 list, but for those who appreciate compelling, socially relevant dramas, this is a series that should not be missed.
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