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“It’s still feels quite shocking,” reflects Adolescence star Erin Doherty regarding the series’ extraordinary success. Since its premiere on Netflix on March 13, the limited series has soared to unprecedented heights, becoming a top-rated show and generating considerable award nominations.
Doherty first collaborated with Stephen Graham, the series’ co-creator, on another project titled A Thousand Blows. During that time, Graham shared that he was developing Adolescence. A few months later, he reached out to offer her the role of Briony, a child psychologist tasked with assessing Jamie (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old suspected of murdering a classmate. Their intense therapy session, highlighted in the series’ third episode, oscillates between light-hearted exchanges and deep-seated animosity, revealing the complexities within the troubled teen.
The series has garnered acclaim not just for the performances but also for its technical prowess. Each of the four episodes was filmed in a single, unbroken take, enhancing the viewer’s experience by immersing them in the unfolding drama. For Episode 3, the team selected the final of eleven takes; while it wasn’t Cooper’s preferred shoot, Doherty notes that the exhaustion they felt contributed to a dynamic performance that resonated with viewers.
In a recent interview, Doherty delves into her experiences on set, the challenges she faced, and her hopes for the audience’s takeaway from the show.
Gold Derby: Congratulations on the show’s remarkable success! How do you feel about it?
Erin Doherty: It surpasses everything I ever thought was possible. At this point, I’ve had to release the overwhelming feeling of it and just accept that it’s out there for the world to experience, which is an incredible notion to express.
How have responses been from your peers?
Many people, including my peers and even my sister, have engaged in discussions about the challenges of parenthood and the fears that accompany it. This has sparked significant conversations about how we navigate these concerns. Honestly, I still find myself unsure of how children cope within today’s school environment. It may sound broad, but it’s authentic.
However, the series has sparked much-needed dialogues about these issues.
Exactly. I believe that’s a crucial reason why [the series] resonates so strongly; it doesn’t dictate how to think or feel. Instead, it shines a light on serious issues that desperately need attention. There’s a shared relief among viewers that these conversations can finally take place. Jack and Stephen displayed remarkable courage in bringing this narrative to the screen, and that’s why I feel proud to be involved. Strangers approach me, asking if I’m part of the show, and I’m eager to discuss it because I genuinely want to engage in that dialogue. This series serves as a beacon of hope in that regard.
Your role is essential, as Briony deftly extracts emotions in a subdued but potent manner. How did you connect with her character?
I embraced the challenge. I quickly recognized that capturing Briony’s essence required playing her with authenticity while still conveying depth to the audience. We are all familiar with the archetype of a detached psychologist, but that approach didn’t suit this narrative. I aimed to enrich her character with complexity beyond what an ordinary conversation would suggest. It was akin to sculpting—carefully navigating the dialogue to open windows into her soul and thoughts. I have immense respect for therapists and through this project, I gained profound insights into the intensity of their work, as it was the most demanding challenge I’ve encountered.
There’s a significant amount of restraint in your performance, especially in how you respond to his provocations.
That was the crux of the performance. The beauty of this episode lay in producing a raw and honest portrayal. Owen and I focused on being present and using our prior rehearsals as a foundation. The essence of the scene required us to forget technical details and dive into the characters’ emotional exchanges, navigating anger intertwined with a need for connection in complex ways.
How did your rehearsals shape the performance?
We concentrated on the specific moment when Jamie stands over Briony—it’s a pivotal point not only in the episode but throughout the series. We labored on that sequence and once we solidified our script, it became a matter of repetition. I firmly believe in the power of repetition; it built our conviction that this session was indeed their last, creating a tangible bond that permeated our performances.
Can you discuss the experience of filming in one continuous take? How did it affect your performance?
This technique marries the essence of theater with film, offering a liberating experience. Trusting that the crew is expertly handling the technical aspects allowed Owen and me to lose ourselves in the characters. As actors, we chase the feeling of blending seamlessly into the scene, surrendering entirely to the moment.
Did this experience spoil you for future projects?
Absolutely. It offered a glimpse into the joy of a flowing scene where you simply play without interruption. However, I’m conscious this experience is not typical. I’m trying to adapt back to conventional shooting schedules, which might involve piecing scenes together much more slowly.
Was there a specific moment in the scene that presented a challenge for you?
Many inquire about the finale and what it meant to me. Interestingly enough, the concluding emotional release was surprisingly the simplest part to portray. The challenge was maintaining professionalism while also being human, especially during moments when he loomed over me. I was caught between the instinct to react and the need to maintain control, holding onto my composure until he left the room.
It’s interesting to consider that this was Owen’s first acting role.
I was apprehensive about how our dynamic would develop, knowing the success of the episode relied heavily on our chemistry. I feared that it might not click; sometimes, it doesn’t, even among seasoned actors. However, Owen exceeded my expectations from day one with his professionalism and focus, ignoring any notions of what the show might represent. His commitment to doing the best job possible was refreshing and inspired me. His purity of intent contributed greatly to the collaborative effort and made the whole process that much richer.
The writing was likely a source of safety for you both, wouldn’t you agree?
Absolutely. Jack Thorne is exceptional; he captures the intricacies of human nature flawlessly. Each line feels genuine, simplifying the actor’s task. He possesses a unique talent for harmonizing different voices in the narrative, which is crucial when pairing a young boy with a seasoned professional. Jack’s ability to enrich the characters and their dialogues is exhibited throughout the series. I would cherish the chance to collaborate with him throughout my career.
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