In a remarkable debut, 15-year-old Owen Cooper has caught the attention of Netflix viewers as Jamie Miller in the new British miniseries, Adolescência. Released on March 13, 2025, this intense drama explores the traumatic events surrounding a school murder accusation against Jamie, a 13-year-old boy. Cooper’s performance has drawn widespread acclaim, prompting Netflix's Adolescência to quickly rise to the top of the viewing charts across various countries, including the US, UK, and Brazil.
Adolescência centers on Jamie’s harrowing journey as he navigates the aftermath of allegedly murdering his schoolmate, Katie Leonard. The series dives deep into contemporary challenges faced by youth, particularly the influence of social media and familial relationships. Cooper’s portrayal presents a haunting glimpse into modern masculinity and the psychological effects of trauma.
The series, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini, has not only captured viewers with its storytelling but has also been praised for its innovative filmmaking technique—each of its four episodes was shot in a continuous take. This staggering feat adds to the intensity of the drama, immersing the audience fully into Jamie's chaotic world.
Reflecting on his role, Cooper revealed his initial lack of preparation for acting. "I never had worked before and sent a self-tape hoping for the best. I came home from school and my mum told me that I got the role," he recalled. Though he was an inexperienced actor, Cooper’s ability to convey raw emotions has been compared to that of Hollywood A-listers such as Tom Holland. In fact, Cooper mentions Holland's performance in The Impossible as a pivotal inspiration for his own career aspirations.
Besides the demanding emotional scenes, Cooper faced challenges during filming, particularly with a scene where his character consumes hot chocolate sprinkled with marshmallows. Initially filmed with a standard chocolate drink, the mixture became increasingly unpalatable during multiple takes, leading Cooper to describe the unsatisfactory results as “horrível.” He humorously recounted, “It was a mixture... It was horrible.” His co-star, Erin Doherty, shared similar sentiments about the chaotic behind-the-scenes moments, where spills and sticky floors added to the day's difficulties.
Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s father in the series, praised Cooper, calling his performance the “biggest achievement of Adolescência.” The depth of emotion Cooper brings to the role allows viewers to connect deeply with Jamie's struggle as he confronts his actions and their ramifications.
Cooper’s work in Adolescência has not gone unnoticed, as he’s already been tipped for a BAFTA nomination, cementing his status as a rising star in the film industry. Following this impressive debut, Cooper has quickly lined up future projects, including a role in the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Joining Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in this much-anticipated film, Cooper will play the young Heathcliff, under the direction of Emerald Fennell.
The acclaim surrounding Adolescência continues to grow, with the miniseries receiving a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its raw depiction of young lives intertwined with the complexities of digital culture resonates strongly with present-day audiences. As Cooper’s character grapples with the pressures of adolescence against a backdrop of societal judgments, viewers get an unfiltered look into the fragile state of youth in an overly-connected world.
As the conversation about mental health and media impact grows, Adolescência serves as a stark reminder of how these forces can shape lives. With relatable themes of familial relationships, trauma, and the pitfalls of social networking, the show brings vital discussions to the forefront, making it not only a gripping watch but a relevant one.
Looking ahead, Cooper has expressed excitement about his upcoming roles and growth as an actor. He shared how much he enjoyed the filming process and the supportive environments fostered by his fellow cast members. He also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with representing sensitive topics in his portrayal of Jamie, saying, “I want to make sure I do it justice.”
As 9Adolescência9 is available to stream now on Netflix, audiences are encouraged to witness the raw talent of Owen Cooper in this groundbreaking series. With his career on the upward trajectory, fans can expect to see much more from this promising young actor.
