Stephen Graham Discusses the Impact of Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’

NEW YORK — Stephen Graham, known for his roles in acclaimed dramas, is gaining attention for his performance in the new Netflix series ‘Adolescence.’ The four-part limited series delves into the consequences of a chilling act of violence, exploring how it reverberates through a school, a community, and a family. Graham stars as Eddie Miller, the father accused of murdering schoolmate Katie (Emilia Holliday).

Upon the show’s release on March 13, Graham expressed gratitude for the conversations it has sparked. He stated, “We made it with such love, such integrity, such respect, and it came from a place of passion for each and every single member of the crew — I include the cast as the crew. We’re all a collective.” Graham shared an impactful encounter where a woman thanked him on the streets of New York, saying, “She had tears in her eyes. She said, ‘Oh my god. … I just want to give you a hug.'”

The series captures the struggles faced by Eddie, his wife Manda (Christine Tremarco), and their daughter Lisa (Amélie Pease) in the aftermath of their son Jamie’s actions. Graham noted that the story resonates on multiple levels, as it reflects a broader societal issue, particularly concerning youth violence. He remarked, “The intention was always from a place of purity, truth, and honesty. We wanted to create conversation between parents and children.”

‘Adolescence’ addresses a painful reality in Britain regarding violent acts committed by young boys against girls. The series does not provide answers but instead encourages viewers to engage in discussions about accountability and societal challenges. Graham, who co-created and co-wrote the show with Jack Thorne, emphasized its importance in bridging generational gaps.

As Eddie Miller, Graham explores the emotional burden of parenting in a world filled with external pressures and influences. He stated, “We didn’t do anything different with Lisa than we did with Jamie — it was all done with love, to the best of our ability.” This reflection highlights the profound challenges faced by parents when confronting their children’s unexpected actions.

The final episode unfolds on Eddie’s 50th birthday, an event overshadowed by Jamie’s decision to plead guilty. Graham’s portrayal captures the complexity of a father wrestling with guilt and responsibility, posing the question: “How did we make that?” Manda’s response underscores the essence of their parenting, emphasizing that both children were raised in love.

In addition to its thematic depth, ‘Adolescence’ is praised for its unique filming style, utilizing one continuous take to enhance immersion and convey raw emotion. Graham believes this approach adds a layer of authenticity as it allows viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, almost feeling like participants in the family’s journey.

The show also tackles the tempestuous relationship between Jamie and his psychologist Briony (Erin Doherty) in Episode 3, exploring their dynamic in a gripping and heartfelt manner. The process of shooting this episode provided insight into the raw vulnerability of the characters and the nuanced nature of their interactions.

As ‘Adolescence’ continues to resonate with audiences, Graham remains hopeful that the series will foster meaningful conversations about youth, accountability, and the impacts of violence in society.

‘Adolescence’ is currently available for streaming on Netflix.