The Netflix series Adolescence, directed by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, shines a stark light on the dangers of online radicalization, specifically the impact of incel culture on young men. The story centers around Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie, after being influenced by misogynistic online communities.
In its exploration of such urgent topics, Adolescence has quickly become a hot topic of conversation both in social media and mainstream discourse, even catching the attention of prominent figures like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During a recent parliamentary session, Starmer expressed his views on the show, stating, “At home, we are watching Adolescence. I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it’s a very good drama to watch. This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem. It’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.”
The series has gained immense popularity, amassing over 2.4 million views in the UK alone, illustrating its resonance with a wide audience. However, this popularity isn't just based on entertainment value; it serves as a grim reflection of the issues present in today's society.
Throughout its four episodes, the show examines the troubling dynamics of incel culture—a term that refers to men who identify as “involuntary celibate” and often channel their frustrations into online communities filled with deep resentment towards women. According to research from the Anti-Defamation League, incels typically blame society and women for their social inadequacies and lack of romantic success. Jamie, the protagonist, is depicted as a product of such a toxic culture.
In a revealing scene from episode two, Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe misinterprets a series of emojis posted by Katie on Jamie’s Instagram, initially believing them to be flirtatious. It is only when his son Adam intervenes that the deeper, darker implications of these emojis are uncovered. This misunderstanding is emblematic of the wider issue—the frequent misreading of young women’s experiences and expressions.
As the show progresses, it delves deeper into a complex web of misogyny and the influencers behind it. Notable figures like Andrew Tate have been discussed in the context of incel radicalization. Tate himself responded to the series’ portrayal, branding references to him as “unjust” and claiming they mischaracterize his influence on young men. “The reference to Andrew Tate in Adolescence is an attempt to pin broader societal issues on one individual, which is neither fair nor accurate,” he argued.
The series does not shy away from the real-world consequences of such radicalization. Viewers learn about various tragic incidents linked to incel ideology, notably the 2014 Isla Vista killings in California, where Elliot Rodger took the lives of six people, expressing his motivations through a manifesto rife with similar grievances. Grievances that resonate with many in the incel community, highlighting a disturbing link between online rhetoric and real-life violence.
Scholar Laura Bates, author of Men Who Hate Women, articulates the dangerous nature of incel forums, noting, “The incel community is a community devoted to violent hatred of women,” which serves to recruit vulnerable individuals. However, not all members of the community are violent. Florence Keen from King's College London suggests that while some aspects of incel subculture can be destructive, not every individual identifies as a threat.
As the investigation surrounding Jamie's actions unfolds, the series poignantly underscores the significance of strong familial ties and parental responsibility—or perhaps the lack thereof. The absence of understanding and open communication within families can lead down a path of extremism for adolescents. Graham has remarked on the inspiration behind the series, echoing a collective societal concern: “I really just wanted to shine a light on it, asking, ‘What’s going on in society where a boy stabs a girl to death?’”
The series also touches on the unsettling nature of teenage relationships in the digital age, where students, like Jamie, are subjected to the cruelty of their peers. Viewed through the lens of incel culture, Jamie depicts feelings of rage and resentment that can erupt into violent outbursts.
In the third episode, Jamie meets with a psychologist who probes into his mental state post-arrest. The scenes are intense and reveal deep-seated issues concerning masculinity, victimhood, and aggression. Jamie oscillates between a fragile youth and an increasingly dangerous mindset, culminating in a chaotic confrontation with the therapist. Again, we witness how so much of father-son dynamics influence the younger generation's self-perception and societal relations.
The portrayal of violence, especially against women, brings to light the systemic misogyny ingrained in many boys' upbringing. In a telling scene, Jamie admits to being bullied and belittled for his perceived lack of masculinity. Such social pressures fuel internal conflicts that can lead to violence against women over time.
As Adolescence moves towards its finale, viewers are left with a somber reflection. While the show primarily focuses on Jamie's narrative, it inadvertently risks overshadowing the victim's story—Katie, who becomes a mere footnote in Jamie's arc of violence.
Critics of the show have noted how the narrative can be skewed toward understanding Jamie while the complexities of the young girl who lost her life remain glossed over. The series begs the question—how often do society and media construct stories where the victims, particularly women, remain invisible while their perpetrators gain notoriety?
Ultimately, Adolescence serves as an important commentary on modern societal issues, urging viewers to reckon not only with the narrative of Jamie but also the systemic misogyny he epitomizes. The series has found itself ranked number one on Netflix's top ten list, stirring expansive conversations about the role of entertainment in exploring uncomfortable topics such as violent masculinity and the online culture that breeds it.
