The secret hidden meaning behind the shattering ending of Netflix drama Adolescence has been revealed. The crime series, written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, hit our screens on the streaming service on Thursday and has already become a huge hit.
Stephen has taken on the role of Eddie Miller, the dad of a young boy called Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is suspected of stabbing one of his classmates, Katie (Emilia Holliday). The final episode sees Jamie admit to killing Katie and tells his dad he will plead guilty. It closes out with an emotional rendition of "Through the Eyes of a Child," sung by Aurora, which describes the loss of a 'childlike soul.' It is notable for being the first and only time viewers hear Katie's voice throughout the series.
Speaking in an interview with Netflix's Tudum, show director Philip Barantini revealed how the haunting song came to be included. He recounted, "I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s just absolutely incredible. The voice in the score is Katie’s voice. Katie is a part of the whole series. Her presence is always there."
Stephen Graham, who also stars, discussed the difficult real-life inspiration for the series, referencing tragic incidents where young girls were murdered. "Where it came from, for me... There was an incident in Liverpool, where a young girl was stabbed to death by a young boy," he shared with Radio Times. He added, “And there was this thing up North, where Brianna Ghey was lured by two teenagers and stabbed. I just thought, what’s going on? What is this?"
Among the backdrop of tragic real-life events, the series explores themes of masculinity, male rage, and the impact of online incel culture. Jamie, who becomes engrossed with misogynistic propaganda and bullying at school, culminates his frustration by fatally stabbing Katie after feeling rejected.
The intense narrative is captured over 13 months, as the show delves deeply not just within Jamie's psyche, but also the devastating effect on his family. Eddie, Jamie’s father, struggles performances to understand how the son he raised transformed and where he may have failed as a parent.
More than just entertainment, the series sparks important conversations about the impact of societal influences on youth. Critics have lauded Adolescence: it boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has gone viral on social media. Viewers have praised its gripping storytelling and cinematographic techniques, where each scene is filmed without cuts, creating raw realism.
Many on social media have shared their reactions to the show, with comments like, "The new Netflix show #Adolescence is a must watch,” and others highlighting its ability to resonate deeply with audiences by showcasing the struggles today’s teenagers face.
Jack Thorne, co-writer of the series, formulated his narrative around these issues, aiming to provide insight rather than blame. He explained, “The tragedy is Katie, right? But there is also tragedy within Jamie. This show was set up to understand him.” The poignant discussions brought forth by the plot exemplify this multi-faceted approach.
Jamie’s confession at the end of the series serves as the climax of his emotional turbulence, reflecting the show's heart-wrenching conclusion. Viewers are left unable to ascertain the details of Jamie's sentencing—but they are granted insight on how this has impacted the family, particularly his father Eddie.
The final scene leaves audiences with Eddie stepping back inside Jamie’s untouched room, enveloped by grief and guilt. “I’m sorry son, I should’ve done more,” he whispers to Jamie’s teddy bear, invoking powerful emotions about parental responsibility and societal input.
Thorne hopes for this story to influence broader conversations. “I hope it leads to discussions, and classroom discussions,” he said. “The influence we have on our youth is powerful, and it’s something we must address.”
Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix, drawing viewers to its challenging narrative and promising to reshape how young boys and their families understand the world around them. This is not merely a show, but rather, it is generating dialogue about vulnerability, societal expectations, and the importance of connection.
