Overview of Adolescence
Adolescence, a gripping new psychological thriller, delves into the complex issues of bullying, toxic masculinity, and the delicate manipulation of a teenage psyche. Set to premiere on Netflix this week, the series features a talented cast, including Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty. The show is the brainchild of Graham and Jack Thorne, and is directed by Philip Barantini. Notably, it employs a continuous one-shot filming technique, similar to the acclaimed 2021 film Boiling Point, which aims to enhance narrative continuity and immerse viewers in the unfolding drama.
Stephen Graham shared insights with Radio Times, emphasizing how the one-shot format demands the audience’s full attention: “It makes you sit up and you can’t take your eyes off it, because if you blink for a second, you miss something. It draws the audience in.” This immersive approach seeks to replicate the emotional tension experienced by the characters as they grapple with the aftermath of a devastating tragedy.
Plot Synopsis
The narrative of Adolescence revolves around a family thrown into turmoil when their son, Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The shocking accusation forces Jamie’s family, his therapist, and the investigating detective to confront the harrowing question: What truly transpired? Graham, who co-created and co-wrote the series, drew inspiration from the alarming rise of knife crime in the UK, particularly incidents involving young males harming young females. He articulated the show’s intent: “We wanted to explore, ‘What is happening to our young men these days, and what pressures do they face from peers, the internet, and social media?’”
Rather than following a typical narrative about gang violence or social deprivation, the creators aimed for an unsettling realism: “We could have made a drama about gangs and knife crime, or a child from a broken home,” Graham explained. “Instead, we want viewers to see this family and think, ‘This could easily happen to us!’ What unfolds is the worst nightmare for an ordinary family.”
Cast of Adolescence
Stephen Graham
Stephen Graham plays Eddie Miller, Jamie’s father, while also serving as co-creator and writer for the series. He reflected on societal tendencies to blame parents in the wake of such tragedies: “When these things are on the news, judgment often falls on the family. We’re all guilty of it because that’s the easy common denominator. But what if that’s not the case at all?” Graham is a renowned actor, known for his roles in films like Gangs of New York, This is England, The Irishman, and Boiling Point, as well as acclaimed series such as Boardwalk Empire and Line of Duty.
Ashley Walters
Ashley Walters takes on the role of Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, who is at the helm of the murder investigation. The 42-year-old is an accomplished actor and rapper, gaining fame as a member of the UK garage group So Solid Crew. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Dushane in the popular series Top Boy, and has also appeared in Hustle, Outcasts, and A Thousand Blows.
Erin Doherty
Erin Doherty features as Briony Ariston, a clinical psychologist assigned to Jamie’s case. She gained prominence for her role as Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of The Crown and has showcased her talent in the psychological thriller Chloe and the upcoming film Reawakening. Currently, she is also part of the cast in A Thousand Blows, alongside Graham and Walters.
Owen Cooper
Owen Cooper stars as the 13-year-old Jamie Miller, the accused. Remarkably, Cooper had no prior acting experience before landing this role; he was discovered through a drama club. He shared with Variety, “I only really wanted to start acting a couple of years ago… I grew up wanting to be a footballer, but then I got into acting lessons and really enjoyed it. After that, I got a self-tape request for Adolescence, and everything just took off from there.” Cooper is set to appear in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights in the near future.
Supporting Cast
- Faye Marsay as Detective Sergeant Misha Frank (Ten Pound Poms, Andor, Game of Thrones)
- Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller (Emmerdale Farm, The Gathering, Clink)
- Mark Stanley as Paul Barlow (A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, Trigger Point, The Reckoning)
- Jo Hartley as Mrs. Fenumore (In My Skin, After Life, Silent Witness)
- Amélie Pease as Lisa Miller
- Austin Haynes as Fredo (The Responder, The Boys in the Boat)
- Jon Furlong as Derek (All Creatures Great & Small, Here We Go)
- Connor Calland as PC Jenkins (The Red King, Stay Close)
- Hannah Walters as Mrs. Bailey (Whitechapel, Boiling Point)
- Claudius Peters as Frank (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Halo)
- Elodie Grace Walker as Georgie
Filming Locations
Filming for Adolescence took place during the summer of 2024, beginning in July and wrapping up in September. The majority of scenes were shot in Yorkshire, with South Kirkby serving as the backdrop for the Miller family’s home and neighborhood, while South Elmsall provided a fitting town setting. The school scenes were filmed in Sheffield. Additionally, some of the production was based at the studio complex Production Park in South Kirkby, with street scenes captured in various locations around London.
Release Information
Adolescence is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, March 13th. All four episodes will be available for streaming starting at 8 AM. To access the series, viewers will need a Netflix subscription, which starts at £5.99 per month.
