Is Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ a True Story?
Netflix’s latest series, Adolescence, has people buzzing with excitement after its recent release. Starring Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty, the show takes viewers on a thrilling journey with a family in northern England amidst a tragic event and the detectives working to uncover the truth.
One unique aspect of the series is that each episode is filmed in one continuous take, adding to the suspense as the story unfolds before our eyes. At the core of Adolescence lies the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Cooper, who is accused of a heinous crime that shakes his family to its core.
Rather than focusing on typical themes like gangs or substance abuse, the creators wanted to highlight a haunting reality that any ordinary family could face. Co-created by Graham and Jack Thorne, and directed by Philip Barantini, the series delves into the complex dynamics of a family grappling with a nightmarish situation.
While Adolescence is not based on a single true story, it draws inspiration from various instances of knife crime in the U.K. Graham shared that one particular incident of a boy allegedly stabbing a girl deeply impacted him, sparking the creation of the series to shed light on societal issues and provoke important questions.
In the series, viewers witness the shocking truth about Kate’s murder early on, as Jamie is shown in CCTV footage committing the act in a gripping and intentional manner. This deliberate storytelling choice aims to immerse viewers in the characters’ emotions, particularly Jamie’s father Eddie, played by Graham.
Thorne, in discussing the series, highlighted the thought-provoking aspect of exploring the why behind a tragedy rather than just the who, engaging audiences in deeper questions about teenage boys and masculinity. As the story unfolds, Jamie grapples with guilt and acceptance while Eddie confronts his own grief and confusion, leading to a poignant and emotional conclusion.
Adolescence is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a riveting and thought-provoking experience that dives into the complexities of family dynamics and societal issues in a compelling narrative.
