Netflix's new four-part limited series, Adolescence, has taken the viewing world by storm, receiving critical acclaim and drawing buzz among audiences. This drama, devised by creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, focuses on a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, portrayed by breakout actor Owen Cooper. Jamie is accused of murdering a girl from his school, leading viewers to delve into themes of toxic masculinity, mental health, and the severe consequences of social media influence.
At the core of this riveting narrative is an innovative production choice: each episode is filmed in one continuous shot, creating a sense of immediacy and tension that viewers cannot ignore. This technique is evident in the standout third episode, which showcases Jamie’s pre-trial assessment by clinical psychologist Briony, played by Erin Doherty. “He played that character with such skill because you genuinely did feel for him,” Doherty remarked in an interview with Variety, as she praised Cooper’s ability to convey profound emotional depth.
Cooper, now 15, has received recognition for his compelling portrayal, with many tipping him for a Bafta victory for his debut performance. Filming his first scenes in episode three, Cooper's journey has captivated audiences, especially during the intense moments that illustrate Jamie's emotional turmoil — this includes an on-screen confrontation with Doherty's character that Cooper described as “genuinely scary.”
An anecdote from behind the scenes illustrates just how pivotal this performance was, as Cooper recounted a hilarious struggle with a prop hot chocolate that “was making the floor sticky for the cameraman.” He humorously admitted, “That was minging that. That was horrible. It wasn’t hot chocolate ‘cause it had to get changed.” This levity amid tension reflects the youthful spirit Cooper brings to his role.
In a recent interview, he and Doherty revisited clips from his audition, relaying fond memories while discussing their experiences on set. Groaning about his previously long hair, Cooper offered a light-hearted take, indicating how the role pushed him to recognize personal growth: “I can't deal with this,” he said, often shown to be self-aware about his earlier demeanor.
On the emotional gravitas presented within the plot, the narrative transcends mere crime and delves deep into family dynamics and societal pressures faced by adolescents. Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, shared particular insights on the show. He noted that while his character wasn’t blaming Jamie, he was besieged with regret over his parenting choices — evidenced when he confesses, “He asked for the computer and I gave him the computer,” illustrating the struggles that many parents face amid modern parenting dilemmas.
Doherty further emphasized how the series brings light to crucial conversations surrounding online dangers, stating during an appearance on the How To Fail podcast, “I'm very proud. We need to be having these kinds of conversations.” The series effectively captures the crushing weight of youth today, making audiences ponder their relationship with technology and its impact on mental wellbeing.
Viewers cannot ignore how Owen Cooper’s immersive performance brings a relatable quality to Jamie, who falls victim to the societal pressures generating male rage. His struggles reflect real-life issues faced by teenagers as they eloquently interact with often overwhelming expectations. As Cooper noted, this platform not only serves to entertain but to educate viewers on the pressing realities of growing up in contemporary society.
Previously, Cooper's audition left a significant impact on the production team, as Stephen Graham, co-creator of the series, recalled, “there was just a piece of magic within” the young star. He likened Cooper’s natural talent to that of young actress Jodie Comer, hinting at greatness in the years to come. Such distinctions opened doors for Cooper; he has already landed roles in the BBC series Film Club and will star as the young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s suspenseful adaptation of Wuthering Heights, alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Ultimately, Adolescence sets itself apart from typical crime dramas by illustrating the emotional realities of its characters within a broader social context. Its portrayal of parental struggles, the pressures of teenage life, and the importance of communication in families creates a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with viewers. As parents and guardians reflect on their own practices, this visually arresting series pushes the conversation forward in a meaningful way. With its qualities of raw honesty and introspective storytelling, it’s no wonder that the ambitious series has become a hit, and we’ll be hearing much more from Owen Cooper in the future.
