The crime drama series Adolescence, co-created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, presents an unflinching look at knife crime and the digital world's dark side. The four-part series, which launched on Netflix on March 18, 2025, follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper) as he grapples with the aftermath of being charged with the murder of his classmate, Katie.
Inspired by the UK's alarming knife crime statistics, and drawn from themes of incel culture and online bullying, Adolescence delves into the complexities of teenage life today. It compels viewers to confront an unsettling reality: the internet can be a breeding ground for toxic ideals. With Jamie as the focal point, the series raises crucial questions about what drives a seemingly normal child from a loving home to commit such a horrific act.
Juggling pressure and expectations, Jamie's motivations for his actions remain murky throughout the series. This is at the heart of the narrative, where viewers experience the world primarily from the perspective of the isolated teenager. Rendering the raw emotions of Jamie’s ordeal, the series crafts gripping moments that highlight how adolescence today is intricately tied to online spaces.
At its core, the show casts a light on incel culture, revealing how these online groups distort young minds. Jamie emerges as a character submerged in harmful ideologies, where he consumes the “red pill” philosophy which proposes that 80% of women are attracted to just 20% of men. Graham takes a personal approach to the concept, stating: “If I was an isolated kid, I would find answers as to why I felt a bit lost.”
In one chilling scene from episode three, Jamie lashes out at a female psychologist Erin Doherty, communicating his inner turmoil with the chilling line, “You do not control what I do! Get that in that fucking little head of yours!” This moment serves as a stark reflection of his aggrieved entitlement, as it feels terrifyingly relatable for anyone who has observed how anger can manifest in young men today.
The dystopian reality painted in Adolescence forces viewers to grapple with their own fears about the youth's relationship with technology. Jamie’s decision to text Katie after receiving a topless photo through Snapchat showcases the sinister implications of social media. The phrase “I thought she might be weak cause everyone was calling her a slag,” encapsulates a disturbing mindset that feeds on vulnerability.
The show utilizes a continuous filming style—each episode shot as a single take—creating a suffocating sense of realism and urgency. Director Philip Barantini describes it succinctly: “basically means that we press record on the camera, and we don’t stop until the very end of the hour.” The uninterrupted format pushes viewers to feel trapped within the narrative alongside the characters, amplifying the horror that such circumstances evoke.
Moreover, the series does not shy away from showcasing how Jamie’s crime echoes through the life of his parents, particularly through his mother’s despair who states, “We made him,” exemplifying the overwhelming nature of guilt and confusion felt by parents in the digital age.
Thorne recently argued that smartphones should be treated like cigarettes in the UK, advocating for a ban on devices for anyone under 16. He believes that algorithms lead teenagers into “dark spaces” where harmful ideologies can flourish. “If it was my decision, I would be talking of smartphones like cigarettes,” he stated, calling for similar protective measures as seen in countries like France and Norway.
The conversations sparked by Adolescence extend beyond the confines of the screen; they reflect the growing concerns among parents about the dangers of unfettered internet access. Journalist Daisy Greenwell highlights how parents are losing control over their children’s digital life, further emphasizing, “It’s not fair to suggest that this is something that parents can solve.”
The dialogue around digital safety has been further fueled by the introduction of the Online Safety Act, which penalizes social media platforms failing to protect minors from harmful content. However, while many are optimistic about increased regulation, the reality is that incel emojis and coded language might only be scrutinized when associated with overt hatred.
Sociolinguistics expert Dr. Robert Lawson points out, “There's a need to create new terms that speak to the issues within the manosphere,” while echoing the skepticism surrounding the moral panic over emojis in teenage discourse.
In reflecting on the show’s impact, Thorne stresses the urgency of having open dialogues to prevent tragedies like the one depicted in Adolescence. Its exploration of complex issues surrounding young male violence and misguided ideologies can serve as a powerful trigger for frank discussions among parents, educators, and lawmakers alike.
As Adolescence provokes a national conversation on these pressing issues, it serves as both a cautionary tale and an appeal for collective action to ensure that young people navigate their formative years without harmful influences lurking in the shadows of their smartphones.
