For all its usefulness, the internet, especially social media, can be a dark and dangerous place for children and teenagers. The Netflix limited series Adolescence is an eye-opening glimpse into a world of bullying, social media influence, and mental health that can, at times, be difficult to watch. The show is already a streaming mega hit, with more than 24 million viewers in its first four days.
The four-episode British-made series centers on a fictional case in which 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played to perfection by newcomer Owen Cooper, is accused of murdering a classmate in a brutal knife attack. Showrunner Stephen Graham has stated that an epidemic of knife crime in Birmingham, England did give him inspiration for the show.
Though the show focuses on British law-enforcement and judicial processes, the subject matter is relevant to all parents and teens across the world. Cinematically, the show departs from the common multi-camera, multi-take format. Each episode is shot almost entirely in one take, with clever edits where necessary to continue that perception, similar to the cinematography in the movie 1918. The filming style adds a raw element to the show, putting the viewer in the midst of the investigation and activity. In episode two, a seemingly handheld camera shot seamlessly transforms into a drone shot and back to handheld as though the camera had left the photographer’s hands and moved to another.
Jamie is quickly confronted with CCTV evidence of his guilt, after which the investigators dive into a world where school students are difficult to control, and where children engage in violent bullying of each other on Instagram and other platforms. Frequent references are made to incel culture and the Tate Brothers as influencers. The Tate Brothers recently arrived in the United States after the Trump Administration secured their right to leave Romania, where they are under investigation for crimes including sex trafficking and rape.
Even the show’s protagonist, Detective Investigator Luke Bascome (Ashley Waters) is seemingly unaware of the extent to which social media played a role in the murder. His teenage son sets him on the path of discovery leading to Jamie’s motive. The four episodes are all about one-hour in length and beautifully filmed. The entire series is an easy afternoon or evening binge that will open your eyes to the reality of social media and the importance of parental oversight and intervention.
