Adolescence (2025) - Review
A Single-Shot Series with a View of Teenage Violence
“Adolescence” is a British crime drama miniseries that premiered on Netflix on March 13, 2025. The series consists of four episodes, each filmed in a single continuous take, and features a cast including Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe, and Erin Doherty as psychologist Briony Ariston.
Synopsis
The series follows the harrowing journey of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested on suspicion of murdering his classmate, Katie Leonard. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative delves into the complexities of adolescent psychology, online radicalization, and the societal factors contributing to such tragic events.
Spoiler-Free Review
“Adolescence” is a technically masterful and emotionally resonant series that confronts challenging societal issues head-on. The cinematography is particularly noteworthy, with each episode executed as a single continuous shot, immersing viewers in the unfolding drama and enhancing the narrative’s intensity. The performances are exceptional across the board, with Stephen Graham delivering a deeply affecting portrayal of Eddie Miller, a father grappling with unimaginable circumstances. Newcomer Owen Cooper is equally compelling as Jamie, capturing the character’s complexity with remarkable depth. The series’ unflinching exploration of themes such as online misogyny, toxic masculinity, and the vulnerabilities of adolescence makes it a poignant and thought-provoking watch.
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In-Depth Analysis
“Adolescence” offers a profound examination of the insidious influence of the ‘manosphere’ and ‘red-pill’ communities on impressionable young men and boys.
The series adeptly portrays how exposure to misogynistic online content can distort perceptions and fuel destructive behaviors. Jamie Miller’s character arc serves as a chilling illustration of this phenomenon. His interactions reveal a deeply ingrained objectification of women, viewing them not as individuals but as entities to be possessed or conquered.
This mindset becomes alarmingly evident during his sessions with psychologist Briony Ariston, portrayed with nuance and sensitivity by Erin Doherty. Their exchanges expose Jamie’s lack of empathy and his inability to recognize women as autonomous beings, highlighting the profound impact of his toxic beliefs. Throughout the show, he shows little to no remorse for his actions against her.
The series does not shy away from depicting the tragic consequences of such ideologies. Jamie’s misguided sense of entitlement and rejection intolerance culminate in the horrifying act of violence against Katie Leonard. The narrative further explores the complicity of peer groups in perpetuating these harmful attitudes. The casual dismissal and even amusement exhibited by Jamie’s male classmates in response to Katie’s death underscore a pervasive desensitization to violence against women.
This portrayal serves as a stark reminder of the real-world implications of unchecked misogyny and the urgent need for societal intervention.
While the series effectively critiques the influence of prominent figures like Andrew Tate, I feel it could have delved deeper into the broader ecosystem of online misogyny. By focusing on and mentioning a single individual, the narrative risks oversimplifying a complex and widespread issue.
A more expansive exploration of the various platforms and communities that propagate these toxic ideologies may have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by today’s youth.
Moreover, “Adolescence” primarily centers on the male perspective, leaving the experiences and struggles of female characters like Katie somewhat underexplored. Providing greater insight into Katie’s ordeal through the eyes of Jamie and Briony Ariston, her responses to the violation of her privacy, and her interactions with her peers could have enriched the narrative and offered a more balanced examination of the gender dynamics at play. This, however, could be counterproductive to the show’s intent, but it is what I would have liked to see.
Final Thoughts
“Adolescence” is a searing and unflinching portrayal of the dark undercurrents influencing today’s youth. Its technical brilliance and powerful performances make it a standout series that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the digital age. While it leaves certain avenues unexplored, particularly regarding the breadth of online misogyny and the female perspective, its core message resonates deeply.
The series serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging a collective reevaluation of the content we consume and the values we impart to future generations.
Where to Watch
“Adolescence” (2025) is currently available to stream on Netflix. Availability may vary by region.