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Stephen Graham’s Adolescence is the best new show of the year so far – and it’s on Netflix now

BBG News

Adolescence spoilers follow.

In Netflix’s latest crime series titled “Adolescence“, Stephen Graham portrays the role of a father to a high-school student named Jamie, skillfully played by the novice actor Owen Cooper. The story unfolds as Jamie is implicated in the murder of a schoolgirl, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

In the third episode, Ashley Walters assumes a crucial position as detective Luke Bascombe, and Erin Doherty delivers an impressive performance as a psychologist in her key role – I’ll dive deeper into their performances at a later time.

The much-awaited four-part crime drama penned by Jack Thorne in collaboration with Graham is a true spectacle, boasting an impressive ensemble of both actors and creative minds. Rest assured, this production surpasses all anticipations!

Netflix continues to impress with its UK dramas, as evidenced by shows like “Baby Reindeer,” “Black Doves,” and more recently “Toxic Town” (also penned by Jack Thorne). Now, “Adolescence” joins the ranks of their successes.

Under the guidance of director Philip Barantini, the series “Adolescence” employs a unique filming style known as the one-shot approach. This technique is impressive, as each episode (ranging from about 50 minutes to an hour) unfolds in real time without any cuts or interruptions, capturing every moment of the drama uninterrupted.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that this narrative technique seems unconventional at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that it truly enhances the storytelling experience by keeping us, the audience, deeply connected with the emotional journeys of its characters.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but appreciate how skillfully the narrative rhythm is established, brilliantly demonstrated right from the start of episode one. The first scene unfolds with a team of officers storming Jamie’s family home, barging up the stairs, and apprehending him from his bed. The camera’s travel along this path immerses you deeply, confronting each family member, and every reaction to the shock is unique.

Next, just a short while passes, and you find yourself accompanying Jamie on a tense, drawn-out walk towards the police station.

Initially, the narrative may appear as a typical murder mystery. Jamie vehemently denies his involvement to all who hear him, yet there’s an undercurrent of doubt that makes one ponder if he truly is capable of the crime he’s charged with. However, as you progress, you discover, just like his heartbroken father, incriminating proof against him. From this point on, the focus shifts from identifying “who” committed the crime, to understanding “why” and “how” it happened.

Across its four episodes, a vivid image emerges, yet the charm of this series lies in its avoidance of explicitly presenting a particular storyline. Instead, the show serves as a catalyst for dialogue: It explores how factors like family, peer groups, social media, and societal norms collectively shape an atmosphere where violence against women and girls becomes prevalent.

In a unique twist, episode three is a captivating solo act within the realm of television production. Unlike other episodes that progress with momentum, this one is largely set in a single location, where the suspenseful narrative is skillfully developed via thoughtful dialogue.

The narrative primarily focuses on a dialogue between Jamie and his pre-trial counselor Briony Ariston, portrayed by Doherty. It’s during this exchange that the lead actor, Owen Cooper, delivers an outstanding debut, demonstrating both a heartbreaking innocence and a chilling undertone through his impressive acting skills.

Erin Doherty’s subtle performance serves as the foundation for the intense tension in the scene, offering viewers a pathway to a richer comprehension. This performance is so captivating that it’s hard to look away, and the episode seems to fly by compared to other action-filled scenes.

Adolescence serves as a platform for investigation rather than accusation, particularly regarding the escalating issue of misogyny in society, which has been referred to by the Metropolitan Police as an “epidemic of violence towards women and girls” in the United Kingdom.

Instead of constantly emphasizing individual responsibility for safety, it’s crucial to examine the methods society employs in shaping boys into men. This approach often leaves them underserved as well, considering they may lack understanding on identifying, managing, and expressing their own feelings; coping with rejection; communicating effectively with family, friends, or romantic partners.

In these manners, Adolescence maintains its attention on the suspect. It contemplates how any young male could unwittingly succumb to the lure of highly misogynistic content online. After all, Jamie often spent long hours confined in his room, using the computer, and his family didn’t find it unusual. One might assume, if he was at home, he was secure?

In this drama, Stephen Graham truly shines, demonstrating his remarkable talent as one of the UK’s most exceptional actors.

In this role, Eddie Miller’s performance echoes the progression of the four-part series itself. Initially, he is a character who finds it hard to express his own feelings, channeling everything into anger. However, by the conclusion, he reveals his vulnerability following an introspective conversation with his wife (Christine Tremarco), during which they both ponder if there was something more they could have done or avoided.

Eddie often discusses his formative years with his father and shares his aspiration to disrupt intergenerational patterns with Jamie. He simply expressed, “I yearned for improvement,” emphasizing that he never resorted to physical punishment towards his children as his father did to him.

Mere absence of violence is just the first essential step. Isn’t ensuring emotional security equally important as well?

In the end, Eddie Miller breaks down and cries, placing his son’s teddy bear in bed and giving it a tender kiss on the forehead.

“I’m sorry son,” he said. “I should have done better.”

With that, the closing credits unfold, immersing you in the poignant aftermath of what you’ve experienced.

Exceptional dramas have an unforgettable impact on viewers and inspire lively discussions, and that’s exactly what the drama titled “Adolescence” accomplishes.

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2025-03-13 14:49

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