Netflix’s latest British drama, Adolescence, has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning widespread praise for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. Released just last week, the four-part series quickly became the most-watched show on the platform worldwide over the weekend.
The drama has been hailed as a landmark television achievement, with critics describing it as “flawless” and “deeply moving.” The Times’ Tom Peck called it “complete perfection,” while The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan labeled it “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades.”
A Powerful and Timely Narrative
Adolescence delves into the aftermath of a teenage girl’s tragic stabbing, with a 13-year-old boy from her school arrested for her murder. The series explores the profound effects of social media and the influence of toxic male figures on young boys.
Newcomer Owen Cooper takes on the challenging role of Jamie, the young suspect, while Stephen Graham not only stars as Jamie’s father but also co-created the show. Graham revealed that the inspiration for the series came from real-life incidents, expressing his shock at how frequent such violent events have become.
“I just thought, what’s going on in society where this kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence?” Graham shared during an interview on BBC’s The One Show. “I couldn’t fathom it, and I wanted to shed light on the issue.”
Examining the Roots of Male Rage
Writer Jack Thorne emphasized that the show aims to confront the realities of male anger and aggression. He noted that Jamie, the central character, has been “indoctrinated by voices” that promote misogynistic ideals, referencing figures like Andrew Tate but also influencers “far more dangerous than Tate.”
Actress Erin Doherty, who plays a child psychologist in the series, discussed its impact in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program. “This show has the bravery to peel back the layers and force us to confront these difficult conversations. It’s not just fiction—it’s a reflection of real-world issues.”
The third episode, where Doherty’s character works to unravel Jamie’s psyche, has been widely regarded as one of the most gripping hours of television this year.
A Technical and Artistic Triumph
What sets Adolescence apart technically is its use of single-take cinematography, with each episode filmed in one continuous shot. This bold creative choice heightens the tension and immerses viewers in the characters’ emotional turmoil.
Critics have been effusive in their praise. Mangan lauded the series’ technical and narrative brilliance, calling it “intensely naturalistic and hugely evocative.” Meanwhile, Peck’s review for The Times simply began with: “Wow. Just wow.”
The Telegraph’s Anita Singh described the series as “quietly devastating” and highlighted Cooper’s performance as “astonishing.” She noted that while Stephen Graham continues to prove himself as one of the best actors today, Cooper’s portrayal of Jamie is the true revelation.
An Unforgettable Viewing Experience
The acclaim has extended beyond the UK, with Deadline’s Jake Kanter calling Adolescence “as flawless a four hours of television as I have ever seen.” Rolling Stone’s Alan Sepinwall and The New York Times’ Margaret Lyons both declared it one of the year’s most compelling social critiques.
On BBC Radio 5 Live’s Must Watch, Hayley Campbell pointed out that the show does not attempt to solve the issues it raises but rather forces audiences to confront them. “It’s about the rise of misogyny, particularly among young boys, and the terrifying reality of how little control parents have over their children’s online influences.”
Critic Scott Bryan summed up the series’ impact by stating, “The performances are absolutely fantastic. I would say this is flawless. And the person who deserves the most recognition is 15-year-old Owen Cooper.”
With its harrowing narrative, impeccable acting, and bold storytelling approach, Adolescence has cemented itself as one of the most significant dramas of the year—one that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
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