There is a new Netflix original that everyone is talking about, raving about and deep-diving into. It is Adolescence, the British crime drama television mini-series created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham for the streaming giant. Directed by Philip Barantini, it tells the story of a teen schoolboy named Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) who is arrested for the murder of a girl in his school.
The miniseries, spanning four episodes, has been one of the most acclaimed outings from the UK. Each episode and character, each scene and plot-turn, has been evaluated and dissected by Netizens, critics, and social commentators.
Miller the character has sparked several analyses."Episode 3 of Adolescence is very hard and makes you connect deeply with the psychologist. I have read many comments saying Jamie is a psychopath or sociopath, and I want to tell you something: not everything can be summed up with a label. His behavior is more complex than we can perceive. His behavior is a reflection of a series of personal and social variables that explain his behavior. If you thought he was a psychopath, you didn't understand the series," wrote David Vallejo, capturing the essence of the debate.
Many have felt that the series is problematic. "While the premise might aim to provoke thought, it instead veers into manipulative territory, exaggerating the influence of digital media to an almost absurd degree. This overblown portrayal doesn’t just strain credulity, it serves a more insidious purpose," opined Tommy Tucker.
Critics and viewers widely praise the technical brilliance of Adolescence. They have remarked that it is "the closest thing to TV perfection in decades" by The Guardian and "a technical masterpiece" on social media, alongside standout performances, especially from newcomer Owen Cooper and veterans like Stephen Graham. It’s Certified Fresh at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Adolescence dives into "toxic masculinity, the influence of misogynistic online culture, and societal failures in addressing youth radicalization".
