How to Shield Our Children from Online Influences Like Andrew Tate
In an age where the internet shapes perceptions and behaviors, the question of how to protect our children from figures like Andrew Tate and the misogynistic “manosphere” he dominates is increasingly pressing. Parents globally are wrestling with this dilemma, especially in light of recent events. Just last week, Tate was permitted to return to the United States after spending two years in Romanian detention on serious charges, including rape, sex trafficking, and money laundering. Moreover, it was revealed that Kyle Clifford, the man who horrifically raped and murdered his ex-girlfriend along with her sister and mother, had searched for Tate’s podcast the night before committing his heinous acts.
In this context, Adolescence, Netflix’s compelling new four-part series centered around a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, arrives at a particularly relevant moment. Initially, the series presents itself as a classic whodunit. The protagonist, Jamie (portrayed by Owen Cooper), vehemently declares his innocence, insisting that he is not the boy depicted in CCTV footage stabbing a girl in a parking lot. His emotional breakdown during a police interrogation, flanked by his supportive father Eddie (played by Stephen Graham, who co-wrote the series with Jack Thorne), makes a powerful case for his plea. You genuinely want to believe him, despite confronting the overwhelming evidence against him.
The subsequent episodes delve into the aftermath of the horrific crime, following investigative officers (played by Ashley Walters and Faye Marsay) as they interrogate Jamie’s classmates. Filmed in real time with an uninterrupted shot throughout all four episodes, the storytelling remarkably navigates the chaos of a realistic high school environment.
Unraveling the Chilling Layers
However, it is the third episode that elevates Adolescence into a profoundly unsettling viewing experience. Weeks after his arrest, Jamie finds himself in a psychiatric facility, undergoing evaluations from various psychiatrists who will present their findings to the court. Erin Doherty (A Thousand Blows, The Crown) delivers a standout performance as one of the psychiatrists, and the episode revolves around her intense dialogue with Jamie. Cooper also shines, and when Jamie inadvertently reveals his disturbing views on women and masculinity, it is genuinely alarming.
The specifics of Jamie’s crime are not overly detailed, nor are his true motivations fully explored. Notably, the influence of Andrew Tate is acknowledged only briefly; he is mentioned by name just once by a detective, with his pervasive impact subtly illustrated through Jamie’s bedroom computer, which his mother notes he would use until the early hours of the morning. Yet, this influence is undeniably present, echoing in the real world—a troubling undercurrent of animosity towards women that silently seeps into the minds of young men, fostering a sense of uncontainable rage.
- Graham and Christine Tremarco deliver heart-wrenching performances, particularly in their portrayal of Jamie’s parents.
- The emotional weight of their conversations following a call from their incarcerated son is palpable, as they grapple with feelings of helplessness and guilt.
One aspect that feels somewhat lacking is the representation of the female victim, Katie, who does not receive adequate narrative attention. This reflects a broader societal issue where discussions surrounding such tragedies often focus on the male perpetrator rather than the victim. However, the series effectively illustrates the profound impact of Jamie’s actions on his family, especially his parents. Graham’s portrayal is perhaps his most emotive yet, and he is matched by Christine Tremarco as his on-screen wife Manda. Their tearful exchanges will resonate deeply, prompting viewers to ponder what more could have been done to prevent such a tragedy.
Ultimately, Adolescence compels us to confront an uncomfortable question: how do we prevent the insidious spread of online misogyny from manifesting in violent ways? While a Netflix drama may not provide all the answers, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that may arise if we fail to address these pressing issues, sending chills down the spines of concerned parents everywhere.
Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix
