Netflix’s new drama series Adolescence has quickly become a subject of conversation, intricately exploring the tragic circumstances surrounding young Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. The series premiered on March 13, 2025, and is already being referred to as a captivating portrayal of the serious issues confronting today’s youth.
Set in Pontefract, England, the four-part series presents Jamie, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who finds himself at the center of a harrowing police investigation after being arrested. In the show's opening scene, Jamie's arrest shatters his family's life, a theme that co-creator and lead actor Stephen Graham emphasizes: "One of our aims was to ask, 'What is happening to our young men these days, and what are the pressures they face from their peers, from the internet, and from social media?"
The unique storytelling method employed in Adolescence contributes significantly to its profound impact. Each of the four hour-long episodes is filmed in a single continuous shot, generating a raw and immersive experience for viewers. "We wanted you to look at this family and think, 'My God. This could be happening to us!'" Graham added, highlighting the series’ relatability and urgency.
The plot unfolds over 13 months, culminating in a devastating final episode. Throughout the series, Jamie maintains that he did not commit the murder, despite grave evidence against him. Detective Luke Bascombe, portrayed by Ashley Walters, presents damning CCTV footage showing Jamie stabbing Katie in a parking lot. This shocking revelation forces Jamie into a fraught emotional turmoil, one that creator Jack Thorne described: "We wanted the audience to feel the same feelings that Eddie feels when he looks at it and realizes what Jamie did."
As the episodes progress, viewers are left questioning not just the events that transpired but the underlying reasons for such violence among youth. Psychological issues, bullying, and societal pressures heavily influence Jamie's actions. One pivotal moment occurs when Jamie reveals to a friend, Briony, that he had asked Katie out after humiliating photos of her circulated at school. "The way she reacted when I asked her out was hurtful; it added to all the other stuff I was dealing with," he confesses, demonstrating how feelings of rejection contributed to his unstable mental state.
Jamie’s changing emotional landscape is meticulously explored through interviews with a psychologist played by Erin Doherty, who delves into the complexities of his feelings toward women. The series spares no detail in portraying the influences of toxic masculinity and incel culture, which play a role in shaping Jamie's mindset. Doherty highlights this theme: "The pressures young men face today, particularly with online influences, can often lead to aggressive behaviors." This focus on the psychological factors at play reveals how deeply embedded these societal issues can be within a young mind.
Each episode's preparation involved extensive rehearsals, with the cast spending up to four weeks perfecting their performances in elaborate one-shot takes. This filming technique creates a gripping atmosphere and conveys an authentic representation of the character's emotional journeys without the typical cuts known in television dramas. Ashley Walters, sharing his experience, stated, "It was intense. You don’t want to be the guy that drops the ball." The pressure of the one-shot format intensifies the realism, drawing audiences deeper into the on-screen events.
As the series nears its conclusion, viewers are faced with a heart-wrenching truth. In the fourth episode, Jamie finally confesses to his crime, which serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of youth violence and familial neglect. On his father Eddie’s 50th birthday—a date filled with bitter tension—Jamie calls to tell him he’s planning to change his plea to guilty. This confession brings the narrative to a heart-stopping climax, followed by a silent moment that encapsulates the devastation of the family.
The final moments are profoundly symbolic. After speaking with Jamie, Eddie enters his son’s room, surrounded by reminders of their life together. He embraces one of Jamie’s teddy bears, saying, "I'm sorry, son, I should’ve done better," a haunting reflection on regret and the complexities of parenthood amid crises. This poignant scene reinforces not just Jamie’s struggle with accountability but shines a light on the struggles families endure when faced with the aftermath of violence.
Adolescence is more than just a drama about crime; it also forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable realities of teenage life today, including the pressures that lead to such tragic outcomes. Critics have hailed the series not just for its narrative but for its raw honesty and compelling performances, making it more than a simple whodunit. Rather, it’s a thoughtful commentary on society’s failures and the urgent need for deeper discussions about youth, masculinity, and mental health.
Available for streaming on Netflix, Adolescence is bound to prompt conversations about the influences that shape today's young men and the urgent societal changes required to prevent such tragedies.
