WARNING SPOILERS
With a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing it as "a masterpiece of narrative television and a stunning visual experience", Netflix's latest British drama, Adolescence, is a must-watch. It delves deep into the mind complexities of a minor, with themes of grief, shame, societal pressures, raising children and the dark sordid corners of online culture. The series begins with the relatively violent arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering his classmate Katie Leonard. This harrowing event sets the stage for an exploration of the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by all those involved.
At its core, Adolescence is a poignant portrayal of grief in its multifaceted forms. The Miller family grapples with the devastating reality of their son's actions, leading to a profound sense of loss of the son/brother they thought they knew and of the life they once had. Each grapples with their own shame, grief, denial and anger.
Katie's friends and family, mourning her loss, embody the raw pain of bereavement that most of us are relatively familiar with - the loss of someone through death, albeit not a horrific one such as murder. The series goes much further and sheds light on the insidious nature of online radicalization, bullying, mental health and the systems that shape young people. Jamie's quick descent serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of youth in the digital age. The narrative underscores how unchecked online influences can exacerbate feelings of isolation and anger, leading to devastating consequences.
One of the most striking aspects of Adolescence is its storytelling technique. Each episode is presented as a continuous single take, immersing viewers in the real-time unfolding of events. This method enhances the emotional intensity, allowing audiences to experience the characters' grief and confusion firsthand. The fact that Jamie was in denial of his actions when arrested and continuously approval-seeking shows just how altered his state of mind had become.
Stephen Graham's portrayal of Eddie Miller, Jamie's father, is particularly compelling, capturing the anguish of a parent confronting an unimaginable situation. The final scene, in the video below, is the most heartbreaking of the show in my opinion, with every facet of grief rearing its head - grief you couldn't protect your son, grief you didnt raise him right, grief he now faces prison, grief over lost innocence and youth, grief over the death of a young girl, grief for your family and the life you once shared, grief that nothing will be the same ever again. The pain is palpable in that scene.
Adolescence is more than just a crime drama; it's an incredible exploration of the varieties of grief, the challenges of modern adolescence and parenting, and the potential dangers lurking in schools and in the digital realm. This show will leave a mark on you, no doubt.