The newly released Netflix drama Adolescence has taken the world by storm, quickly becoming the most-streamed title across both the UK and US within its first week of airing. This four-part series begins with armed police arresting 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, for the murder of his classmate, Katie. The gripping storyline, written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, not only explores the harrowing case of juvenile crime but also dives deep beneath the surface to reveal the societal issues contributing to such tragedies.
Adolescence premiered on March 13, 2025, and since then, it has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Stephen Graham, known for his powerful performances, stars as Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, and also co-wrote the series. He mentions how several news reports of young boys involved in fatal stabbings inspired the show's creation. "I read about two different incidents of young boys stabbing girls, which inspired the series," Graham stated, illustrating his emotional response to these real-life tragedies.:
Jack Thorne, co-writer of the series, praised Graham during his discussion with BBC Radio 2, emphasizing the importance of the story. He said, "I thought it was extraordinary to look at male anger and rage, and I thought it was very important to look at." Thorne and Graham's collaboration allowed for reflective conversations exploring their own feelings of anger and rage, shaping the narrative's depth.
Each episode of Adolescence is filmed as one continuous take, adding intensity to the viewing experience. This filming technique, guided by director Phillip Barantini, challenges the actors to deliver their performances seamlessly, leading to numerous emotional moments captured authentically. Actor Ashley Walters, who plays DI Luke Bascombe, noted, "It was intense...I had to cry over my script most nights, so scared I wouldn't memorize the material, yet it was beautiful at the end of it all."
Graham, who has previously collaborated with Thorne on shows like This Is England, aimed to create opportunities for young talents such as Cooper. "Refusing to give up on this project was important to us...we wanted to create opportunities for those who may not normally have them," Graham expressed, highlighting the importance of inclusive casting practices.
Hannah Walters, Graham's wife, also contributes to the series, appearing as Mrs. Bailey, Jamie's teacher. Walters' role marks her continued partnership with Graham both personally and professionally. Their love story began when they met at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, where they quickly became best friends. Graham recounted their early days, stating, "After a lot of time, we just thought, 'this is daft', we really liked each other, so we should get together." They married in 2008, fostering both personal and creative partnerships.
The couple also shares two children, Alfie and Grace, who starred alongside them during Channel 4's Stand Up to Cancer Celebrity Gogglebox special. Living together now in Leicestershire, Graham expresses his love for the sense of community saying, "I love the camaraderie here; it’s like family."
Despite the series focusing on sensitive themes related to youth violence and knife crime, it also competently navigates the repercussions of online cultures, touching upon the issue of incel communities. The show’s creators are not shy to mention real-world influences such as the notorious Andrew Tate. Graham noted, "I learned about him through my kids...and it sparked the thought, what if I was a 13-year-old boy seeking guidance from similar influences?" This question propels Jamie's character and his experiences within the plot.
The serious undertones resonate with the current societal climate. Within the last ten years, the number of knife-related crimes has notoriously increased, with the Office for National Statistics reporting alarming figures. Graham remarked, "There is an epidemic of knife crime among young lads...and this series, unfortunately, is timely." With 83% of teenage homicide victims stabbed to death, this is not simply fiction; it serves as a challenge to society to confront the underlying causes of such violence.
Along with its technical elements, such as the unique single-shot filming technique and its haunting score by Aaron May and David Ridley, Adolescence manages to deliver both emotional weight and meaningful social commentary. The series challenges viewers to engage with these issues thoughtfully and reflectively.
With actors like Graham committed to highlighting the plight of underserved talent and telling important stories, it's clear the impact of Adolescence will linger long after the credits roll. It encourages conversations about violence, youth societal pressures, and how we can respond as families and communities. Indeed, the show proves to be not just entertainment but also a significant narrative contributing to today's cultural discourse.
