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Netflix’s Adolescence: A Groundbreaking Exploration of Contemporary Issues
The newly launched Netflix crime drama series Adolescence has quickly risen to prominence, garnering both critical acclaim and viewer admiration for its poignant performances and thoughtful storytelling. The series tackles pressing societal concerns such as the influence of incel culture, the “manosphere,” and the pervasive dangers of social media. Its creator, Jack Thorne, advocates for the show to be incorporated into discussions within Parliament and made accessible in schools, aiming to spark real conversations about these significant issues.
This four-part narrative revolves around the harrowing experience of the Miller family, whose lives are turned upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller faces accusations of murdering a classmate. Since its debut last week, Adolescence has achieved remarkable success, catapulting to the position of the most-streamed series in both the UK and the US within its first week. Thorne aspires for the show to “cause discussion and make change,” highlighting the potent role that impactful drama can play in addressing social issues. In an interview, he expressed:
“I want it to be shown in schools, I want it to be shown in Parliament. It’s crucial because this is only going to get worse. It’s something that people need to be talking about; hopefully, that’s what drama can do.”
Real-Life Implications of Fiction
Much like last year’s real-life dramatization, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which incited governmental responsibility and action, Thorne is optimistic that Adolescence will provoke similar awareness and reform. The series was conceived with input from its star, Stephen Graham, who alongside Thorne, delved into the darker aspects of online culture to authentically portray Jamie’s mental state. Thorne believes that governmental intervention is vital to address the issues stemming from “the manosphere, incel culture,” and the pervasive feelings of “loneliness and isolation” that can influence young men adversely.
“This is a show about a kid who does the wrong thing and causes great harm. To understand him, we have to understand the pressures upon him. Jamie has been polluted by ideas that he’s heard online, that make sense to him, that have a logic that’s attractive to him, that answer the questions as to his loneliness and isolation and lead him to make some very bad choices,” he explained. “We have to understand the things he’s been consuming, and that means especially looking at the internet, the manosphere and incel culture.”
Acclaim and Reception
Since its release, Adolescence has received widespread praise, currently boasting an impressive score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have lauded its intense emotional journey, with MovieWeb’s Rachel Johnson stating that the series guides viewers through “a chilling, dread-inducing journey as Jamie’s deeply buried pain, fragility, and troubling personal feelings and attitudes are examined in the fallout of the heinous crime and somber investigation.”
Directed by Philip Barantini and featuring Graham as Eddie Miller, the series also stars Owen Cooper as Jamie, along with notable performances from Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley, and Amélie Pease. Currently, Adolescence is available for streaming on Netflix.
The storyline encapsulates the tumult that families face when confronted with accusations of unspeakable crimes: “A family’s world turns upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate; the charges against their son force them to confront every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Source: BBC
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