The poster for “Adolescence,” the hit Netflix show, is shown. This four-part show told a story of toxic masculinity and how it has grown among boys, such as the show’s main character Jamie Miller, bringing the issue to light. “Although “Adolescence” carries content warnings for violence, the show is one that holds impactful dialogue and messaging that will stop any viewer in their tracks,” Digital Editor Lea D’Angelo wrote. Photo fair use of Netflix
Review: “Adolescence”
“Adolescence,” released to Netflix on March 13, ie eye-opening and engaging, utilizing a format that only heightens the storytelling.
It’s rare that a television show’s characters and message stick in a viewer’s mind long after it’s over and spark world-wide conversation about the society we live in today.
“Adolesence” is one of those shows.
Released to Netflix on March 13, the four-part miniseries’ actors and cinematography alone will keep any viewer engaged.
The show was co-created and written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne and dives into the motivations of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who has been accused of murdering a classmate. Each of the hour-long episodes examines different sides of the case: Jamie’s arrest, the police’s investigation at his school, his interview with a psychologist and his family’s life 13 months later. Each episode provides a startlingly clear, and dark, look at the minds of teenage boys and the impact of social media on adolescents, a “whydunnit” rather than a “whodunnit.”
Director Philip Barantini’s one-shot cinematography – utilizing no cuts or edits – gives a seamless and momentous air to each episode, despite how the storyline can shift from action-packed moments – Jamie’s arrest – to emotionally heavy ones – him crying in the back of a police van – in seconds. Cooper’s acting in each of these scenes is equally impressive, especially considering this was his first professional role.
This quality of acting is exemplified in Episode 3, where the portrayal of Briony, a psychologist (Erin Doherty) interviewing Jamie is incredibly poignant, both characters walking a narrow tightrope. Jamie stews on the edge of unhinged anger, and she toes the line between professionalism and trying not to crack under his violent outbursts. Both actors’ display of control and emotional complexity make it hard for viewers to look away, particularly in light of the vulnerability the show’s format creates as each actor is immersed in their character for an hour.
Each episode provides a startlingly clear, and dark, look at the minds of teenage boys and the impact of social media on adolescents, a “whydunnit” rather than a “whodunnit.”
The writing of “Adolescence” is largely responsible for its enthralling nature, particularly in portraying Jamie’s parents (Graham and Christine Tremarco) and the reality they have to face in figuring out how their son could be capable of such a horrifying act. Graham’s writing of his own character is exemplary, harnessing loss, love and anger at various points in ways that further the show’s impact.
Although “Adolescence” carries content warnings for violence, the show is one that holds impactful dialogue and messaging that will stop any viewer in their tracks.
The trailer for “Adolescence” is shown above. The show is a brutal reminder of what can happen behind closed doors when predatory misogyny is spread online. “Overall, this show shows its viewers of the real dangers that exist online, that some boys are one wrong click away from misogynistic ideologies, no matter how much parents nurture their children,” Diversity and Representation Editor Peter Atchley wrote. Video fair use of Netflix
Social Commentary: “Adolescence”
Netflix’s “Adolescence” about teenage incel Jamie Miller forces viewers to acknowledge toxic masculinity.
Twenty-three percent of United States men said, if needed, they would use violence to earn respect in a 2017 study conducted by research organization Promundo. In the United Kingdom, that number rises to roughly 25%.
These figures provide an unsettling backdrop for Netflix’s new limited series, “Adolescence.”
The four-part series follows Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for the stabbing and murder of a teenage girl, and by extension, the rippling effects on the community and his family. Off screen, the story of “Adolescence” is prompting a much bigger concept than murder: the poisonous and rapidly-growing community of toxic masculinity.
Jamie, like many boys growing up today, becomes entangled in “incel” culture. Oxford Languages defines “incel” as “a member of an online community of young men who consider themselves unable to attract women sexually, typically associated with views that are hostile toward women and men who are sexually active.”
At one point in the series, in an interview with the psychologist assigned to his case, Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty), Jamie becomes more and more upset, eventually screaming, “Look at me now!” The scene is a startling portrayal of a boy believing he’s entitled to admiration just because he’s a man and she’s a woman.
Off screen, the story of “Adolescence” is prompting a much bigger concept than murder: the poisonous and rapidly-growing community of toxic masculinity.
This fictional example has roots in the real world. In recent years, self-proclaimed “alpha males,” like British American influencer Andrew Tate, have made waves by promoting incel-like beliefs. These figures spread their word online in hopes of ensnaring teenage boys, like Jamie, into their predatory rhetoric.
The tool of choice for these misogynistic prophets is social media, the very trap that Jamie falls into during the late nights he spends online in the show. In using social media, a mostly unrestricted landscape, young men like Jamie can watch and subscribe to incel ideology without their parents knowing.
“Adolescence” pries this issue wide open, forcing viewers to ask: What motivates men to engage in this behavior at all? What prompts it?
WebMD, an online health information source, says that exposure to people encouraging this behavior, social rejection and a lack of behavioral control are all contributing factors to incel culture that ring true for Jamie.
Overall, this series shows its viewers of the real dangers that exist online, that some boys are one wrong click away from misogynistic ideologies, no matter how much parents try to protect them.
“Adolescence” reminds watchers of the dangers that can occur behind closed doors. In this modern age, it’s vital to protect those vulnerable from predatory influences.
