The Netflix series Adolescence has captivated audiences since its release on March 13, 2025, exploring the harrowing story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his classmate. Starring an impressive cast led by Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and breakthrough actor Owen Cooper, the four-part series delves into serious issues of knife crime and the troubling subculture of incels.
Each of the four episodes is filmed in one continuous shot, a unique approach that elevates the emotional intensity and reflects the raw, unfiltered experience of the characters. Critical acclaim has not been lacking, with Digital Spy awarding the series five stars, declaring, "The very best drama has the power to irrevocably move you and spark conversation, and Adolescence does both." Such praises underline the series' significance, encouraging discussions about its themes among viewers.
At the heart of the series is the story of Jamie Miller, played by the 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of his female classmate, Katie. The narrative unfolds within a community grappling with the aftermath of this crime, revealing the complexities of family dynamics and social responsibility. Jamie's father, Eddie, portrayed by Graham, embodies the struggle of a parent caught between defending his son and confronting the unthinkable tragedy.
A particularly poignant moment occurs in episode two when Eddie visits the murder scene, leaving flowers as a tribute to his son’s victim. Accompanying this emotional scene is a cover of Sting's haunting 1987 song Fragile, performed by a children's choir, which includes Emilia Holliday—the actress portraying Katie. Graham reflects on this artistic choice, saying, "There's a beautiful song at the end and Phil had this wonderful idea from the very beginning." This element adds layers of sorrow and beauty to the narrative, resonating deeply with audiences. Graham elaborates, noting, "We used the choir from the actual school, and the kids from that area. The girl singing this is the girl who played the girl that got killed."
The series does not shy away from the harsh realities of its subject matter. By portraying the incel culture and the dangerous behaviors nurtured in online spaces, Adolescence sparks discussions about the accountability of parents, schools, and society as a whole in addressing youth violence. Stephen Graham, who co-wrote the series with Jack Thorne, was inspired to create Adolescence after reading about a young boy who had fatally stabbed a girl. He expressed his motivations for the show, emphasizing the societal implications tied to such violence. He lamented, "I just thought, what’s going on in society where this kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence?"
The creative vision behind the series is clear, with every detail crafted to maximize emotional impact. The decision to film each episode in a single take was both ambitious and effective, pulling the audience into the real-time experience of characters grappling with intense emotions and high stakes. Graham confirmed the authenticity of this technique, insisting, "Yes. Honest to god," when questioned about the filming strategy.
The responses from viewers have been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on social media. One viewer remarked, "Why would you share such horrifying detail with us?😭😭😭" reflecting a shared emotional turmoil evoked by the show’s powerful portrayals. Another praised the creators for the cleverness and depth of the storytelling, saying, "Not only is it clever but I think it’s also haunting now if I was to watch it again. Wow, it is actually a masterpiece." As more individuals engage with the series, the conversations surrounding its themes continue to grow.
While the series is a fictional narrative, it draws on troubling statistics and real-life incidents regarding knife crime and youth violence in the UK. As the series progresses, it invites viewers to reflect on their roles within society, pushing for greater awareness and responsibility.
In addition to its compelling themes, Adolescence strikes a balance between profound drama and technical excellence, embodying Graham and Thorne's commitment to storytelling. Cooper's performance as Jamie Miller is particularly noteworthy, both for its authenticity and emotional depth, marking a significant debut for the young actor. Reflecting on his recent foray into acting, Cooper shared with Variety, "It’s not been long. I grew up wanting to be a footballer… I just wanted to do it," illustrating his unexpected yet fulfilling transition into the world of acting.
With its inside look at relevant and often uncomfortable truths about society, Adolescence becomes more than just entertainment; it’s a conversation starter, driving home the importance of discussing difficult subjects. The series undoubtedly holds a mirror to current realities and challenges, making it essential viewing for those invested in understanding and addressing the complexities of modern youth culture.
Adolescence is now available for streaming on Netflix and is sure to leave a lasting impact on its viewers. Its combination of heartfelt storytelling, social awareness, and artistic innovation marks an important contribution to contemporary television.
