Netflix’s “Adolescence” isn’t just another true-crime-inspired drama, it’s a gut-punching wake-up call. Released on March 13, the four-episode miniseries dives headfirst into the murky waters of toxic masculinity and online radicalization, all through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. Directed by Sophie Goodhart, the series’ boldest choice, filming each episode in a single, continuous take, creates an immersive and unsettling experience that refuses to let viewers look away.
At the heart of the show is Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, a quiet and awkward middle schooler whose life shatters when he’s accused of killing a female classmate. Cooper’s performance is painfully authentic, capturing the vulnerability and confusion of a kid who feels unseen and misunderstood. But the series isn’t just about one boy — it’s a larger commentary on how the internet can twist loneliness into something far more dangerous. By exploring the insidious pull of incel culture, “Adolescence” holds up a mirror to society’s failure to address the warning signs.
The continuous-shot format adds an unbearable tension, as if every moment could snap into something worse. It’s not a flashy gimmick, it’s a reminder that, in real life, there are no neat breaks or fade-outs when things fall apart. The series makes sure you sit in that discomfort and face the ugly truth: this could happen anywhere, to anyone.
Much of the emotional weight rests on Jamie’s father, played by Stephen Graham. His performance is raw and heartbreaking, especially in the final episode, which focuses on the family’s reaction to the unfolding tragedy. One of the most powerful scenes shows him breaking down in tears, capturing the agony of a parent torn between defending his child and confronting an unthinkable reality. This last episode shifts the focus from the crime itself to the emotional wreckage left behind, making the audience feel every ounce of pain and uncertainty.
“Adolescence” asks tough, uncomfortable questions: Are we paying enough attention to the boys slipping through the cracks? Can parents keep their children safe from the darkest corners of the internet? And how much do we really know about the people we love? The answers aren’t easy, but the show makes one thing clear, ignoring the problem only makes it worse.
This isn’t just a binge-worthy drama, it’s a warning. “Adolescence” doesn’t offer easy solutions, but it forces us to reckon with the consequences of unchecked online radicalization..