The Netflix series paints a vivid yet horrifying picture of every parent’s worst nightmare
By BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org
Netflix’s latest British drama, “Adolescence,” has rapidly captured the attention of television consumers worldwide, with its unflinching, stark portrayal of juvenile violence. Set in the heart of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, the show dives into the issues plaguing today’s youth such as toxic masculinity and the manosphere.
Jack Thorne’s technically outstanding four-episode drama unravels with a raw sense of haunting realism. Each installment is shot in a single, continuous take — a refreshingly unique style that provides a natural, yet distinctive, viewing experience.
“Adolescence” immerses you in a harrowing nightmare, following the story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested on suspicion of murdering his classmate. Miller is portrayed by Owen Cooper, aged 15, who plays the role flawlessly despite his complete lack of acting experience.
“Adolescence” cuts straight to the action in episode one, providing us with a front row seat to an armed police raid at the Miller family home. An overwhelming sense of childlike innocence is portrayed in Jamie, as he is pulled from his bed, pants soiled, repeatedly claiming his inculpability. Jamie’s affectionate parents (played by Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco) are utterly stunned and clueless to the situation, as they insist that the police have made a mistake. This lack of awareness becomes a vital, underlying theme throughout the show.
The show’s realness offers an accuracy that glamorized television fails to deliver. Mug shots, blood tests, strip searches and questioning, Jamie is rushed into the police station as if he were an adult. However, the mystery surrounding his charges, alongside whatever hope the audience may hold for him, is extinguished within 40 minutes of the first episode.
Concrete, conclusive evidence cements the scarring reality of his situation and the revelation of the victim, Katie, a young girl at Jamie’s school. His conviction isn’t a spoiler, but rather confirms the true narrative of “Adolescence” — a deep exploration into youth violence and the contemplation of why, rather than who.
Detective Investigator Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and Detective Sergeant Frank (Faye Marsay) search for answers in episode two, unravelling a web of communication beneath the surface of parental supervision. Audiences are exposed to a toxic online world beyond the comprehension of the older generation: encrypted messaging, disguised threats and cyber bullying. Drawing on controversial figures such as Andrew Tate and topics such as “incel” and “the manosphere,” “Adolescence” exposes the truly virulent impact of social media and toxic masculinity on the impressionable youth.
The penultimate episode of this four-part thriller is perhaps the most gripping installment of them all and unfolds entirely within the confines of a youth detention facility. Child psychologist Briony (Erin Doherty) aims to assess Jamie’s mental state and understand the factors leading to his alleged crime, seven months after his initial incarceration.
Doherty and Cooper perform flawlessly together, showcasing a diverse spectrum of emotions to create a transparency in Jamie’s character and the reasoning behind his actions. Despite Jamie’s rash and unpredictable behavior, Briony’s calm demeanor encourages intriguing discourse surrounding self-image and masculinity.
In this enthralling display, tension escalates as Briony’s probing questions lead to volatile outbursts from Jamie, revealing deep-seated anger and grief. Delving into his relationship with victim Katie and friends at school, as well as family at home, she highlights his vulnerability and susceptibility to societal pressures.
The fourth and final episode of “Adolescence” provides a platform for Graham and Tremarco to truly shine in their portrayal of Jamie’s parents, Eddie and Manda. Both illustrate the raw emotion, hurt and trauma that the family have been burdened with indefinitely following their son’s arrest. Rather than laying blame and excusing their child’s actions with some form of obvious childhood abuse or negligence, “Adolescence” focuses on displaying the severe implications of Jamie’s actions on the people around him.
Setting it apart from other crime dramas, the show’s refusal to “point the finger” invites the audience to reflect on collective responsibility, urging a future where intervention takes precedence over punishment. By following the perspectives and lives of numerous characters as they intertwine, “Adolescence” delivers a vast spectrum of emotion that has the power to resonate with audiences beyond a personal level.
A striking mix of intimacy and chaos, this compelling piece of British television offers an all-too-real glimpse into the dark reality of today’s youth, with hopes of inspiring meaningful change in the social justice system.
Written by Beth Munro-Morris —- arts@theaggie.org
