Netflix's latest limited series, Adolescence, dives deep to explore the pressing topics of murder, misogyny, and the impact of social media on youth through the harrowing story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who stands accused of killing his female classmate. The dramatic narrative, co-created by actor Stephen Graham and writer Jack Thorne, holds up a mirror to society's failings and the unsettling rise of incel culture.
Graham shared his motivation for creating the series, pointing to several real-life tragedies. "If I'm really honest with you, [the stabbing incidents] hurt my heart, and I just thought, why? Why does this kind of thing happen? What is this society?" he reflected, citing incidents such as the brutal stabbing of young girls by boys across the U.K. He explained how these incidents prompted him to ponder the reasons behind such violence, considering social and systemic influences.
The four-part drama does not shy away from illustrating the psychological struggles faced by adolescents. It effectively utilizes single-take shots to immerse viewers deeply within the emotional chaos surrounding Jamie's trial. Jamie’s character navigates complex feelings of isolation, compounded by social media's harsh judgments. The story reveals how he is labeled as an 'incel' by his peers, leading him to inadvertently confess to the crime during a session with his court-assigned psychologist, Briony Ariston, portrayed by Erin Doherty.
While Jamie’s conviction is cloaked with ambiguity, the series unravels the painful reality faced by men and boys caught up within the toxic ideologies proliferated by individuals like Andrew Tate, who is referenced through characters as a conduit to explore masculinity's fragility. Jack Thorne commented, "The Andrew Tate stuff is only ever mentioned by adults [in our show] and that's really deliberate. There are a lot more pernicious presences out there. That do the real damage." This distinction highlights the disparity between adult perceptions of harmful influences and the more significant dangers lurking unaddressed within youth culture.
Actor Ashley Walters, who joins Graham on screen, expressed concern over children growing up amid such toxic narratives. He empathized with the struggles young boys face today, saying, "To be honest, I do sometimes feel sorry for them. When I was growing up, I was shielded from such chaos. Now, kids are bombarded with everything online, which is enough to make anyone’s mental state fray. It's really important to normalize open discussions about feelings, especially for young men struggling to articulate their emotions."
Graham and Thorne are united on their belief of accountability. They assert the necessity for the government to take firmer action on social media regulation. Thorne ardently declared, "This government needs to do something... We need to have conversations similar to those happening in Australia, considering legislation to safeguard children from harmful content online. If we don’t address these issues now, they’ll only escalate." His statements came right before the introduction of the Online Safety Act's illegal content duties, intended to protect youth online beginning March 17, 2025.
The narrative culminates with Jamie's family grappling with the fallout of his actions. The final episode takes place 13 months after the tragedy, intertwining Eddie Miller’s (Stephen Graham) birthday celebrations with poignant reflections on their family's future. Torn between fleeing their home and facing the community's ostracism, Eddie and his wife Manda engage in heart-wrenching conversations over their parenting decisions, pondering what they could have done differently.
Their dilemmas come to the forefront when Eddie finds "nonce" spray-painted on their van, symbolizing the public's harsh judgment and the sustainability of their pain. The series invokes empathy for the parents, balancing their grief with moments of levity, showcasing the richness of human emotion even amid tragedy.
The emotional finale leaves viewers reflecting on the complex repercussions of Jamie’s choices and society’s contribution to those tragic outcomes. Eddie expresses his sorrow upon entering Jamie's untouched room, whispering, "I’m sorry son, I should’ve done more," showcasing the everlasting weight of parental guilt.
Adolescence, now streaming on Netflix, not only entertains but also serves as a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary societal issues. The series encourages viewers to engage critically with the troubling dynamics of young masculinity and the influence of social media, illustrating how intertwined they are—and how urgent the dialogue surrounding them has become.