If you haven't yet heard about Stephen Graham's latest TV drama, we're here to tell you everything you need to know about it. Adolescence is the actor's heartbreaking new Netflix series, which deals with every family's worst nightmare - and it's a truly astonishing watch.
The four-part series, which will land on our screens this week, follows the unflinching story of a 13-year-old boy who’s arrested for the murder of a teenage girl and raises the question: what would you do if your child was accused of murder? It's dark, yes - but it might also be the most gripping thing we watch all year.
Each of the four episodes is filmed in one continuous shot, so the drama unfolds in real time. And, as each of the characters search for answers in the wake of the harrowing event, a series of terrifying revelations come to light. Clever, moving and totally engrossing, here’s everything we know about the series ahead of its arrival…
What’s the plot of Adolescence?
Co-created and written by Stephen Graham (is there an end to his talents?) and Jack Thorne (The Swimmers, Joy), the story focuses on 13-year-old boy Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) who’s arrested for the murder of a teenage girl at his school. The fact that each episode is filmed in a single continuous shot means we see the impact of such a tragic event as it happens - or at least it feels that way.
Graham plays Jamie’s father and ‘appropriate adult’, Eddie Miller. Ashley Walters stars as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, and Erin Doherty is Briony Ariston, the clinical psychologist assigned to Jamie’s case.
It's a hard-hitting watch, with the series exploring themes including incel and the influences of toxic masculinity, social media, family, schooling - as well as what could motivate a child from a 'normal upbringing' to a heinous crime. It’s the sort of story that will make you think, how could this happen? And if you’re a parent, you might wonder how well you actually know what’s happening in your own child’s life.
Stephen Graham told Netflix: "One of our aims was to ask, 'What is happening to our young men these days, and what are the pressures they face from their peers, from the internet, and from social media? And the pressures that come from all of those things are as difficult for kids here as they are the world over."
Who’s in the cast of Adolescence?
The cast of Adolescence includes:
- Stephen Graham (Boiling Point, Bodies)
- Ashley Walters (Top Boy)
- Erin Doherty (The Crown)
- Owen Cooper
- Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones)
- Christine Tremarco (The Responder)
- Mark Stanley (Happy Valley)
- Jo Hartley (After Life)
- Amélie Pease
Is there a trailer for Adolescence?
Yes - and it's very good! You can watch the trailer here...
How can I watch Adolescence?
Good news - you can watch it as soon as this week! Adolescence will be available to watch on Netflix from Thursday 13th March. Until then, you can find our pick of more TV shows to watch here.
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