When I see Stephen Graham starring in a TV show or film, my instant reaction is to watch it because I know that I will be viewing an acting masterclass. Adolescence is no exception, as the continuous one-take style that each episode undertakes does not allow the cast to hide. The quality of performance from the actors never falters, particularly from newcomer Owen Cooper, who plays such a complicated role so effortlessly. In the past few years, it has been difficult to find a British TV show that has been as gripping and compelling as this, particularly from the BBC, so it is good to see Netflix picking up the mantle.
The less you know going into this show the better, with even the brief description Netflix gives spoiling the ending of the first episode, so try to avoid it if you can. Adolescence follows a 13-year-old boy Jamie Miller and his family as he is arrested for the murder of one of his classmates, and the aftermath that this causes. Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie Miller’s dad, perfectly encapsulates the total upheaval an arrest has on your world, as he advocates for his son’s innocence. The one-take technique creates an intense feel as the audience follows various characters travelling from their house to the places around the police station. Graham has utilised this technique before in Boiling Point (2021) and it is extremely effective at building emotions in the audience, particularly feelings of stress which I certainly felt in both.
Thorne and Graham expertly tackle the topic of how ‘incel culture’ has spread in the younger generations through unrestrained access to the internet. This topic feels like it hasn’t been broached before, and I am glad that a show of such high calibre is tackling it, particularly as it is something that the older generations may not have much experience with. With the rise of Andrew Tate and other misogynistic influencers in the last five years, it has become increasingly threatening to be a woman, as it is difficult to tell what views the men around you keep to themselves. This show highlights this threat perfectly, and the interaction between an older policeman and his son reveals how out of the loop people are to it, and the devastating effects this can have on the real world. It is fascinating to see how easily people can be indoctrinated into beliefs about themselves and people around them, and how common it is to be dismissed as a joke. However, if one message is to be taken from this series, Thorne and Graham are making clear that this threat is not to be ignored.
My only criticism is that it is only four hour-long episodes, but the show is a perfect watch for those interested in true crime and the psychology behind such abhorrent acts as murder. Graham and Thorne have done a fantastic job at creating a new perspective of the typical crime genre, with the motives being at the forefront of the narrative. It seems like the perfect show to talk about with your parents, as the themes and styles seem to cross generations, so definitely check it out.
