The upcoming Netflix series "Adolescence" is poised to become a significant cultural touchpoint, offering an unflinching exploration of young masculinity. Set to debut on March 13th, the drama delves into the complexities of male rage and its repercussions on those surrounding the young protagonist. Directed by Philip Barantini, renowned for his work on the one-shot film "Boiling Point," the series is shot in a similar style—one take per episode, across all four installments. This innovative approach gives the series a documentary-like feel, heightening its realism and emotional impact.
The series features a breakout performance by 14-year-old Owen Cooper, who was selected from a pool of over 500 boys. Cooper, who has no previous acting experience, delivers a performance described as "unbearably stressful" and "comprehensive." His portrayal captures the nuances of male rage without assigning blame to the parents, focusing instead on the multifaceted nature of such situations.
Stephen Graham, who co-created and co-wrote the series, also stars alongside Cooper. Graham's influence extends beyond his on-screen role; he fostered a familial atmosphere on set, likening it to a "combined Frankenstein." This environment encouraged creativity among the cast and crew, which includes talented actors Erin Doherty and Ashley Walters. Graham emphasized the importance of removing stereotypical explanations for the protagonist's behavior.
“I didn’t want his dad to be a violent man,” – Graham
“I didn’t want Mum to be a drinker. I didn’t want our young boy to be molested by his uncle Tony. I wanted to remove all of those possibilities for us to go: ‘Oh, that’s why he did it.’” – Graham
The series does not shy away from dark themes such as violence and trauma. Instead, it challenges viewers to confront these issues head-on. The creators aimed to spark discussions about male rage and its complexities without simplifying the narrative or providing easy answers.
“It was: ‘Let’s not make this about a kid who commits a crime because of an evil thing going on at home.’” – Thorne
“I hope we don’t make the question of male rage an easy question,” – Thorne
The decision to shoot each episode in one take adds an unprecedented level of intensity and realism to the series. This method demands exceptional performances from the cast, making Cooper's debut all the more remarkable. Erin Doherty praised Cooper's talent and dedication.
“This guy is hands down one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with,” – Doherty
“Seriously, it blows my mind that this is your first job. It’s absolutely ridiculous.” – Doherty
The series has been crafted with precision and care by a team committed to authenticity. While it tackles challenging themes, it maintains a focus on sparking meaningful conversations rather than sensationalism.
“And it would be a bad drama if I did. I hope we pose the question well enough that there is conversation on sofas, and that parents have the chance to talk about this stuff with their children.” – Thorne
Despite addressing contemporary issues like male rage, the show deliberately avoids becoming a commentary on cultural figures such as Andrew Tate. Instead, it presents these themes through its characters in a way that encourages deeper reflection.
“And I certainly hope the conversation around the show doesn’t become about Andrew Tate.” – Thorne
“Jamie never talks about Andrew Tate once. When he’s mentioned, it’s only by adult characters who are trying to understand him.” – Thorne