In an emotional clip shared by Netflix, actors Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham were seen holding back tears while watching the final scene of the hard-hitting drama series Adolescence. The four-part show, which has been a significant talking point across the UK, has even garnered attention from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who advocated for its use in schools to stimulate discussions around toxic masculinity and social media's effects on youth.
Adolescence tells the poignant story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who stands accused of murdering a classmate. As the series unfolds, viewers witness the devastating implications of this crime on Jamie's family and those investigating the case. Each episode is filmed in one continuous shot, enhancing the storytelling experience by immersing the audience in each moment, giving it a sense of real-time urgency.
The final episode centers on Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, portrayed by Graham, who struggles to celebrate his 50th birthday amid the turmoil of his son's plea change to guilty. In a deeply affecting moment, Eddie tucks Jamie's teddy bear into bed, a scene that visibly moved co-star Walters, who previously played detective Bascombe in the first two episodes. Even as an observer, he found himself emotionally impacted by Graham's portrayal, confessing, "It's going to make me cry, man. I can't watch this. Oh my god, man. Holding back my tears. As a parent, I'm f***ing dying for you here. Seeing the ripple effect that it has on the family."
Graham added depth to his character’s grief through intense preparation methods, as director Philip Barantini disclosed. For the pivotal final scene, the production team had happy photographs of Graham with his family subtly placed in Jamie's bedroom wardrobe alongside a heartfelt note: "We love you. We’re so proud of you." This personal touch brought genuine tears from Graham in the final take, leading to the raw emotions captured on camera. Barantini remarked on the difference in that take compared to earlier ones, stating it was significantly more authentic: "They got me to the core. So the taps just opened up," Graham recalled of his acting process.
Moreover, the emotional weight of Adolescence has resonated with audiences, leading to noteworthy praise. The show achieved a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes upon release before slightly declining to a Certified Fresh 98%. Reviewers have lauded its cinematography, highlighting the effectiveness of the single-shot format that engages viewers by creating a real-time experience. Screen Rant noted, "[the filmmaking] works to the show's benefit because of the constant tension, forcing us to watch a real-time rollercoaster as new aspects of the case are unearthed."
Ultimately, what makes Adolescence compelling is not just its narrative but also its thematic undertones that reflect contemporary societal issues, particularly surrounding young people, crime, and the influence of the internet. The Guardian encapsulated this by stating, "Adolescence lays bare how an outwardly normal but inwardly self-loathing and susceptible youngster can be radicalized without anyone noticing," emphasizing the relevance of its message.
Social media reactions from fans and even notable figures have further amplified the conversation. EastEnders star Diane Parish described the series as "Incredible. Important. Thank you," while former Hollyoaks actor Gemma Merna called the finale "the most incredible acting I have ever seen."
In addition to the story approach, the careful facilitation of young talent Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, is noteworthy. Barantini ensured that the young actor had ample support on set, including the presence of a child psychologist during filming, allowing him to navigate the intense emotional material safely.
Overall, Adolescence stands as a powerful addition to Netflix's offerings, showcasing striking performances, thoughtful direction, and critical societal themes. With Brad Pitt serving as an executive producer through his company, Plan B Entertainment, the show marks a significant collaboration in telling vital stories through unique cinematic techniques.
As the series continues to gain traction, it will undoubtedly impact not only viewers but also the ongoing conversation about the challenges faced by today's youth, making it a crucial watch for parents, educators, and young people alike.
