April 12, 2025: The powerful new British drama Adolescence on Netflix has quickly become a lightning rod for conversations around the darker corners of the internet and its impact on impressionable young minds — particularly boys.
Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the four-part miniseries centers around 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the shocking murder of a classmate. What sets Adolescence apart is not just its haunting subject matter but also its cinematic technique — each episode is filmed in one continuous take, adding rawness and realism that has stunned audiences and critics alike.
“I had no clue… the emojis and the meanings behind them,” Cooper said. “And I don’t think my friends knew, but it’s obviously happening across the country. It’s not a made-up story.”
Adolescence dives deep into how young boys are shaped by online communities, memes, influencers, and subtle forms of radicalization — all while navigating school, family, and growing pains. At its heart, it’s a tragic coming-of-age story wrapped in a social commentary on parenting, masculinity, and the internet’s unchecked power.
Stephen Graham, who co-created the series and also plays Jamie’s father, Eddie Miller, brings emotional depth to the screen. The series is directed by Philip Barantini, further elevating its compelling execution.
Since premiering on March 13, Adolescence has earned praise for its direction, innovative storytelling, and unflinching portrayal of an issue many parents and educators are only beginning to fully understand.
More than just entertainment, Adolescence is a wake-up call — and a conversation starter — for families, schools, and societies around the world.