Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ Explores Teen Violence, Sparks Discussion on Societal Issues

LONDON, England – The Netflix miniseries “Adolescence,” which premiered on March 13, is stirring conversation around societal issues such as knife crime and gender violence. The four-part series tells the story of young Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate.

In the first episode, viewers find out that Jamie is guilty, allowing the narrative to pivot toward exploring the deeper aspects of modern masculinity, incel culture, and the influences that shape young men’s behaviors. Director Philip Barantini emphasizes the significance of the story, stating, “In the U.K., there’s a real problem with knife crime, certainly in the younger generation. There have been a series of incidents where young boys have killed young girls with knives, and it is really upsetting.”

Barantini, who worked closely with actor Stephen Graham on the project, noted that the genesis of the series came from real-life events. “That was the seed that we wanted to explore, and send a bit of a message and maybe spark a bit of a conversation,” he said.

The narrative follows the Miller family as they cope with the fallout from Jamie’s actions. Stephen Graham plays Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, who attempts to support his son during the investigation. The story addresses complex themes without laying blame on the family, a decision made deliberately by Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Justice, knife crime offenders in England have included a high percentage of juveniles. In the year ending March 2023, 17.3% of nearly 18,500 offenders were between the ages of 10 and 17. The show comes at a time when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the growing concern over online radicalization among young people.

Graham acknowledged the personal nature of the narrative, reflecting on the societal changes he has observed. “It’s important to ask: Why is this happening? Can we just have a look at it?” he stated in an interview following the show’s release.

Each episode of “Adolescence” is filmed in a single take, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience. Barantini explained, “I wanted the audience to go on an immersive journey that unfolds in real time just as it’s unfolding for the actors.” This format is designed to create tension and keep viewers engaged.

The show is not just entertainment; it aims to raise awareness around serious matters facing younger generations. “Adolescence” shines a light on issues like the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, which has emerged as a critical topic of conversation, especially in relation to consent and accountability.

Erin Doherty, who starred alongside Cooper, said the portrayal of these themes is both timely and necessary. “The show isn’t there to provide answers, it’s just to ask the questions,” she said, stressing the importance of open dialogue surrounding these issues.

Overall, “Adolescence” presents a hard look at the uncomfortable realities of youth violence while engaging the audience in critical discussions about societal norms and personal responsibilities. The series comprises four episodes, each running between 50 and 65 minutes, now available for streaming on Netflix.