Have you heard about Adolescence on Netflix? Seriously everyone is buzzing about this show and for good reason. This isn't your typical crime drama. It's a deep dive into some heavy stuff about teenagers parenting and the world we live in today.
Unpacking Adolescence: More Than Just a Crime Drama It's a Conversation Starter for Modern Parents
Adolescence throws you right into a tense situation a young boy named Jamie is accused of a violent crime the murder of a classmate. The show explores the why behind it all diving into themes that hit close to home these days especially for parents. Think about toxic masculinity the feeling of being totally alone the struggles of young people and the tricky gender dynamics in schools. It doesn't shy away from tough topics.
Experts are saying Adolescence is sparking "a valuable conversation" which is exactly what good TV should do right? It makes you think about what teenagers are facing with social media bullying and all the pressures around them. Psychologists suggest that watching Adolescence might actually be a good starting point to chat with your own teenagers. Ask them what they think about the show what their point of view is on masculinity online life and how they see the world.
The creators say the show was inspired by news stories about knife crime involving young boys in the UK which makes it feel even more real and relevant. While it's intense it's also designed to get you thinking about the world teenagers navigate today.
Stephen Graham's Passion Project: Co-Creating and Starring in a Show That Resonates
Stephen Graham isn't just starring in Adolescence he's deeply connected to it. He actually co-created and co-wrote the show with Jack Thorne. This wasn't just another acting gig for him it was a passion project. For Graham one of the most rewarding things has been seeing the conversations the show is starting. He hoped it would be made with "love integrity and respect" and it seems that feeling has resonated with viewers.
He shared a story about a woman in New York who teared up thanking him for making the series. Another person mentioned the teddy bear scene in the finale as being particularly impactful. It's clear the show is striking a chord across generations and different walks of life. Graham emphasizes that Adolescence is based on real issues happening in Britain specifically violent acts by young men against young women. The goal wasn't to provide easy answers but to "shine a light" and get parents and kids talking.
Owen Cooper: From Newcomer to Rising Star Thanks to Adolescence
Let's talk about Owen Cooper who plays Jamie the teenage boy at the center of it all. Adolescence is actually Owen Cooper's debut acting role which is pretty mind-blowing considering how powerful his performance is. Director Philip Barantini was amazed by Cooper's talent especially given that seasoned actors train for years to achieve what Cooper pulled off naturally.
Before Adolescence Cooper was just a regular 14-year-old focused on being a footballer. Acting wasn't really on his radar until a couple of years prior to landing this role. He went to acting lessons got signed with an agency and then boom a self-tape request for Adolescence changed everything. Now Owen Cooper is definitely one to watch. He has already landed his first movie role in a big screen adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Talk about a fast rise!
The One-Take Wonder: Behind the Scenes of Adolescence's Unique Filming Style
One of the things that makes Adolescence so unique is that each episode is filmed in a single take. Yes you read that correctly one continuous shot for an entire hour-long episode! This is a massive technical achievement and it took a lot of planning and innovation from the crew.
Director Philip Barantini and cinematographer Matthew Lewis meticulously mapped out every episode beforehand. They would rehearse extensively blocking out camera movements before actors even stepped on set. For one incredible drone shot in episode two where the camera seems to magically fly away it was all meticulously choreographed. A team would hook the camera to a drone as Ashley Walters' character drives off then the drone would fly over the town while the camera operator raced in a van to the next location to catch the drone and continue filming. It was split-second timing and if you watch closely you can even spot the van arriving.
Interestingly that drone shot almost didn't happen in that form. The original plan was just to have the drone fly over the murder site and end the episode. But a Netflix executive suggested adding Stephen Graham to the end of the shot which meant a last minute scramble to make it work and nail that complex sequence in just two days!
Parenting in the Digital Age: Key Questions Raised by Adolescence for Families Today
Experts agree that Adolescence brings up important questions for parents in today's world especially concerning their children's online lives. The show prompts parents to consider if they truly know what their teenagers are doing online and how online influences are shaping their views on masculinity relationships and the world.
Psychologists recommend open conversations with teenagers about these topics. It's healthy for kids to be curious about things like the manosphere a term referenced in discussions around the show but parents need to guide them in navigating harmful messages and understanding different perspectives. Practical steps parents can take include minimizing screen time encouraging face-to-face interactions and delaying social media access especially keeping devices out of bedrooms at night.
Adolescence serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and complexities of raising teenagers in the digital age and the importance of open communication and understanding.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Adolescence:
- Started as a Favor: The series began as a favor from Stephen Graham to director Philip Barantini after they collaborated on the one-take film Boiling Point.
- Swingball Star: Young star Owen Cooper was more excited about playing swingball with his chaperone between takes than dwelling on the emotional scenes.
- Camera Operator Sighting: If you watch closely during the drone shot in episode two you can spot the van carrying the camera operator arriving at the next location.
- Drone Shot Improv: The iconic drone shot ending episode two was a last-minute idea from a Netflix executive added just days before filming.
- Near Miss Drone: During rehearsal the drone for that crucial shot wobbled and crashed making the final successful take even more dramatic.
- Location Mapping: The crew meticulously planned camera movements and actor blocking across multiple real locations using maps before filming each episode.
- Voice Strain: Owen Cooper’s voice almost gave out during filming of episode three due to the intensity of shouting and screaming required for each take.