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“It’s saving lives.”
This powerful statement comes from Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old actor in Netflix’s popular series Adolescence, which has rapidly gained attention since its release on March 13. While such claims can sometimes seem exaggerated, the impact of the series appears to be significant.
The show delves into the story of a teenage boy accused of murdering a classmate, sparking essential discussions about serious issues like online bullying, toxic masculinity, and incel culture. The conversation generated by this series has caught the attention of lawmakers in the United Kingdom, prompting calls for regulatory changes regarding minors’ access to social media.
In a recent discussion with Gold Derby, Cooper expressed pride in the series’ educational role, stating, “Adolescence is teaching kids not to do that,” referring to negative online behaviors. Meanwhile, co-star and co-creator Stephen Graham expressed his gratitude for the show’s success, labeling it “unbelievable.” He added, “You can’t quantify the impact that it seems to have had.”
The four-episode limited series captures a murder investigation, following Jamie (Cooper) from his arrest and interrogation at the police station to interviews with his classmates and evaluations by a child psychologist, eventually leading to poignant family dynamics a year after the incident.
Graham noted that the series drew from “horrific incidents” that had been reported in the news. He was approached by Brad Pitt’s Plan B production company after the success of his previous project, Boiling Point, and sought out writer Jack Thorne to help develop the story.
Despite the dark themes woven throughout the narrative, Graham emphasized the care and compassion that informed its production. “It was made with love, it was made with truth, honesty, respect,” he said. The magnitude of its impact has left him in awe.
For Cooper, life has remained mostly unchanged despite the series’ success. He recently completed filming on Emerald Fennell‘s Wuthering Heights and humorously remarked that he will be returning to school soon after. “So it’s back to normality after that,” he noted.
In contrast, Graham has noticed a shift in his daily life as recognition from fans has increased. He shared that he can’t visit local shops without receiving compliments. “It’s a wonderful thing,” he said, emphasizing that the show was created to foster conversation, which it has evidently achieved. He highlights the heartfelt gratitude from parents, with many sharing how the series has opened up discussions with their children.
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Adolescence has also garnered acclaim for its technical execution, notably its unique filming style, which features continuous takes in every episode. Cooper, who made his acting debut in the series, humorously admitted he was unaware of the challenges he would face but ultimately enjoyed the experience. “The one shot was perfect,” he stated, expressing enthusiasm for the method used.
Interestingly, the filming began with the third episode, showcasing a pivotal scene between Cooper and Erin Doherty, who portrays Briony, the psychologist assessing him. Graham praised the seamless interaction between the two actors, likening their performances to a dynamic “game of tennis.” He reflected on Cooper’s growth during this process, noting the impressive talent that shone through in their initial collaboration.
Cooper credited the supportive adult cast and crew for his confidence while tackling the emotionally intense material. He emphasized that their encouragement was crucial, saying, “If I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t have done it.” He acknowledged the challenging nature of the role but credited the environment created by his colleagues for making the experience manageable.
Graham recognized Cooper’s exceptional talent, referring to him as a “generational talent,” and noted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a talent like it, to be honest with you, at such a young age.”
As Cooper prepares for the upcoming Emmy Awards—where he could become the youngest winner if he succeeds—he reflects on the honor and what it would mean for his career. “If that was to be the case, it’s definitely a massive achievement, and it’s the next step in my life,” he said, acknowledging the significance of the potential win.
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Amidst all the series has achieved, Graham expressed his pride in opening doors for young talent like Cooper, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities in the industry. “The fact that we’ve created this opportunity for that wonderful young man to go and have a proper career within this industry,” he said, reflecting on his journey with great pride.
Source
www.goldderby.com