Fans were caught off guard when they realized that Hollywood icon Brad Pitt is one of the executive producers of Netflix's latest drama series, Adolescence. The four-part series, which premiered on March 13, 2025, quickly gained traction, soaring to the top of Netflix's charts within a week. Centered around the Miller family, Adolescence explores the troubled dynamics resulting from their teenage son being accused of murdering a classmate.
Though viewers might have expected to see Pitt on screen, his presence is felt behind the scenes, with his production company, Plan B Entertainment, heavily involved in bringing the project to life. Responding to inquiries about Pitt’s involvement, Director Philip Barantini shared, “Brad was on the phone with us, and he was so enthusiastic.” This enthusiasm from Pitt is not unusual; his production company has a reputation for supporting poignant and significant narratives, having previously produced films such as 12 Years a Slave, which won him an Oscar for Best Picture.
Alongside Barantini’s innovative direction, which included filming the show in a continuous shot without cuts, Adolescence stands out for its bold storytelling. Barantini further explained the challenges of this filming style: “Basically that means we press record on the camera, and we don’t press stop until the very end of the hour. But it’s much more complicated than it sounds. It takes months of preparation and weeks of rehearsals.”
Many reviews of Adolescence have praised its fresh approach to storytelling and its powerful themes. Emma Stefansky from The Daily Beast remarked, “Adolescence is a story about the ways in which the systems of society are wholly unequipped to handle the young generations that have been brought up on a constant drip of internet, and the cruel, predatory ways in which it’s weaponized by their peers.” This encapsulates the show’s exploration of the impacts of social media and modern pressures faced by today's youth.
Reviewer Dan Einav of the Financial Times emphasized the technical achievements of the show, stating, “Philip Barantini shoots with a dynamism that’s not only visually impressive but integral to making each moment feel immediate and queasily real.” The choice to film without cuts enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, immersing the audience in the characters' complex reality.
In addition to Graham, who portrays the father Eddie Miller, the cast includes Owen Cooper as the accused son, Jamie. The series has also received praise for its ensemble cast, featuring talents such as Ashley Walters and Erin Doherty.
So far, Adolescence boasts an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its early acclaim and positive reception from audiences. Rebecca Onion, writing for Slate, noted, “Adolescence inflicts a mood of subtle devastation that’s very difficult to shake, even long after you’ve finished watching the series.” Such remarks indicate that the emotional depth of the show leaves a lasting impression, catering to viewers’ cravings for thought-provoking content.
As the show continues to dominate Netflix’s viewing platform, audiences are likely to find the combination of Pitt’s production expertise and Barantini’s directorial vision a winning formula. With its unique storytelling and significant themes, Adolescence is set not just to entertain but to spark conversations around the complexities of modern youth culture.
With Pitt's ongoing contributions to impactful storytelling through his production endeavors, Adolescence stands as a testament to the significance of narratives that resonate with today's societal challenges.
