In the gripping Netflix drama Adolescence, production designer Adam Tomlinson has become a pivotal figure, shaping a narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The series, which launched on March 12, 2025, quickly amassed acclaim, becoming the most streamed title in both the UK and the US within its first week. Tomlinson, originally from Chelmsley Wood in the West Midlands, expressed pride in being part of a project that deals with such significant issues affecting today’s youth.
Each of the four episodes, shot in a meticulously crafted single take, follows the story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of the murder of a female classmate. Owen Cooper plays Jamie, while seasoned actor Stephen Graham portrays his father, Eddie. As the series unfolds, it becomes abundantly clear that it intricately weaves together the narrative of a family grappling with an unfathomable tragedy while examining broader societal themes.
“It’s a hard watch, but incredible,” said Tomlinson, reflecting on the intense emotional journey that the show embarks upon. The series exposes the corrosive impact of social media and the misogynistic influences that permeate modern-day teenage culture. With a runtime that demands an uninterrupted viewing experience, the production team dedicated immense effort—15 days—per episode to bring the tension-filled scenes to life, ultimately capturing a reality that many families fear.
Graham, not only a star of the show but also one of its co-writers, highlighted the importance of the show’s themes. His character, Eddie, faces the harrowing reality of understanding how his once “ordinary” son could be caught in the crossfire of such violence. The series spares no effort in illustrating the insidious nature of online culture, where boys are increasingly being pulled into toxic ideologies. “We wanted him to come from an ordinary family,” Graham explains, stressing that the question of blame is complex. “Who is to blame? Who is accountable? Maybe we're all accountable—family, school, society, community, environment.”
Adolescence intentionally navigates the intricate landscape of masculinity and the pressures faced by young boys today. The story does not simply point fingers at parents or institutions but opens a dialogue around the effects of modern technology and societal expectations. As Graham pointed out, it’s about being mindful of the influences that children face outside of their immediate environment, which can lead to profound changes. “There are influences that we have no idea of that are having profound effects on our young culture, positive and extremely negative,” he said.
Indeed, the series does not shy away from exploring the state of young masculinity amidst these cultural challenges. “When boys and girls go to their bedrooms, they have the world at their fingertips,” Graham notes, discussing how today’s youth are increasingly isolated in digital spaces. Factors like incel culture, misogyny, and the online “manosphere” are highlighted throughout the series as contributing factors to the troubling behaviors exhibited by some adolescents.
The intensity of Adolescence is felt particularly during scenes where the police arrive at the school to investigate the murder. The backdrop of confusion and frustration among educators and law enforcement encapsulates a broader societal issue: the challenge of understanding and managing the behaviors of today’s youth. As one character bluntly puts it, “These kids are f**king impossible. I mean, what am I supposed to do?” This stark portrayal brings to light the reality that sometimes, adults lack the tools to engage meaningfully with the complexities of adolescent lives.
Not merely a sensational drama, Adolescence acts as a critical commentary on the societal norms that have shaped young boys and their actions. According to Graham, the series does not directly focus on figures like Andrew Tate, but rather reflects on the dangerous ideologies that have invaded the youth's psyche. It illustrates how boys may inadvertently move into spaces filled with hate and violence as they seek acceptance online.
“The kids aren’t watching Andrew Tate; they’re watching a lot more dangerous stuff,” Graham warns, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness among parents and educators. The metaphorical landscape of social media is portrayed as a breeding ground for radicalization, directing young boys toward beliefs and behaviors that can have devastating consequences.
The gripping narrative of Adolescence culminates in a powerful exploration of the relationships within the Miller family as they navigate crises of faith, identity, and communication during their son’s harrowing predicament. The emotional performances, especially from newcomer Owen Cooper as Jamie, highlight the inner struggles of a youth caught in a storm of external pressures and expectations. “I still see that little boy, a bit gormless, swinging on the monkey bars, drawing pictures of monsters,” reflects Eddie about Jamie, illuminating the tragic loss of innocence experienced by many families in today’s society.
Ultimately, Adolescence unfolds as a poignant narrative that transcends its crime drama format. It raises questions that reach into the core of parenting, society, and the ways in which we engage with the younger generation. As the series approaches its finale, it has left a lasting impression on viewers, forcing them to confront the uncomfortable truths of contemporary adolescent life.
Adolescence is available for streaming on Netflix now, and with its challenging themes, it demands urgent discussions among parents, educators, and communities alike.
