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Exploring Netflix’s Gripping Miniseries ‘Adolescence’

Netflix’s latest drama, Adolescence, has quickly risen to the forefront of the streaming platform’s offerings, currently holding the number one position among its most popular shows. Starring Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, the miniseries, which is just a few days old, has captivated viewers with its raw portrayal of the consequences following a serious crime. Comprising four episodes, the drama has outperformed several notable Netflix originals, including Running Point, Zero Day, and reality series Temptation Island.

Crafted by renowned creator Jack Thorne, known for his work on His Dark Materials and Enola Holmes, and featuring performances by Stephen Graham of Peaky Blinders fame, Adolescence is directed by Philip Barantini, who has also helmed projects like Boiling Point. The unique aspect of this series is its real-time narrative, with all four episodes filmed in a single continuous take. Alongside Graham and Cooper, the cast includes Christine Tremarco, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay, and Jo Hartley, among others.

The storyline commences with a police raid at the residence of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Cooper, who faces murder allegations. This tense scenario unfolds as Jamie, accompanied by his family, arrives at the police station, where they encounter overwhelming evidence against him. Jamie’s defense attorney is his father, Eddie, and during the first episode, viewers witness the torment felt by both characters as Jamie contends with accusations of stabbing a girl multiple times and claims his innocence.

Subsequent episodes delve deeper into the investigation conducted at Jamie’s school and his sessions with a psychologist, revealing the broader ramifications of the crime on his family. Presented in an uninterrupted one-shot format, Adolescence offers an intimate view of the events, highlighting the chilling reality behind the crime. The series has received critical acclaim, maintaining a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, although the audience score stands at 75% on the Popcornmeter.

Is ‘Adolescence’ Based on a True Story?

While Adolescence evokes the essence of true crime narratives, co-creator Stephen Graham clarifies that it is not drawn from real-life events. In an interview with Rolling Stone U.K., Graham elaborated on the inspiration behind the series and the relevance of its title, noting that the series reflects a disturbing trend wherein young boys are involved in violent acts against girls. He emphasized their lack of emotional maturity, suggesting they are still navigating their development into manhood.

The series confronts pressing societal issues such as misogyny, homophobia, and bullying, as it illustrates the harsh realities faced by adolescents today. Characters engaged in the crime grapple with their emotions, highlighting a deeply ingrained culture that influences youth. The narrative explores contemporary bullying tactics and the complexity of social media’s impact on young minds. Graham expressed concerns regarding the pervasive influence of toxic views on platforms designed for creative expression:

“Boys are very influenced in many ways… I was looking online at a workout thing that our Alfie [his son] sent me, and it was a good workout. Three or four days later, the algorithm… showed me the same gentleman again, and he was telling me his misogynistic opinions and views.”

He further reflected on the implications of such influences: “I was able to say ‘Yeah, that’s not for me,’ but what if I was a 13-year-old boy who didn’t really have an ideal relationship with my father, and all of a sudden I’m seeing this man who has everything I aspire to have — a fancy car and loads of money? If you’re influencing the youth with your own views and opinions, then surely you know that we need to be mindful of what’s being said.”

In concluding, Graham expressed pride in the series and hopes it provokes significant dialogues surrounding these critical issues.

Source: Rolling Stone U.K.

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