Netflix’s latest crime drama, Adolescence, has captured the attention of viewers with its raw and realistic portrayal of teen life and the devastating impact of one bad decision. Inspired by real-life issues, the show dives deep into the tough choices teens face daily, and how one wrong move can alter their lives forever. With its gripping storytelling, the series has quickly become a must-watch, securing a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes just one day after its release on March 13.
Owen Cooper Shines in Adolescence—A Breakout Performance
Owen Cooper, the breakout star of the psychological drama, has wowed audiences with his powerful performance. His portrayal of a teen grappling with difficult life choices has left both the cast and crew in awe. Jacob Elordi, Cooper’s co-star, shared that working with the rising star was intense at times. Elordi referred to Cooper as a “rock star,” praising his brilliance and admitting that Cooper’s confidence on set was intimidating. “The first time I met him, I asked, ‘Are you nervous, mate?’ and he replied, ‘No.’ I thought, ‘Cool… cool, me neither,’” Elordi revealed.
Inspired by Real-World Knife Crime Issues
Adolescence may be fictional, but the issues it highlights are very real. Creator Graham explained that the series was inspired by the alarming rise of knife crime in the U.K., particularly among teens. Graham was deeply impacted by a tragic incident where a young boy allegedly stabbed a girl. He shared that such incidents continued to happen, sparking a desire to examine why these tragedies were occurring and how society could prevent them.
“There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl. It shocked me. I was thinking, ‘What’s going on? What’s happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death?’” Graham said in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “And then it happened again, and again. I really wanted to shine a light on it and ask, ‘Why is this happening today?’”
The Growing Knife Crime Epidemic
The issue of knife crime, especially among teens, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the U.K. In 2023-24, 83% of teen homicides involved knives, and more than 50,000 knife-related crimes were reported in England and Wales—an increase of 4.4% from the previous year. Teenagers made up 17.3% of these offenses, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to address the root causes of violence among youth.
Adolescence brings this issue to the forefront, sparking important conversations about youth violence, the pressures young people face, and the systemic factors contributing to rising crime rates. As more teens face similar struggles to those depicted in the show, Adolescence is helping to raise awareness and encourage discussions around prevention and support for vulnerable youth.
A Powerful Statement About Society’s Challenges
While Adolescence is fictional, its themes are grounded in real-world challenges. The show serves as a reminder of the difficult situations teens must navigate and the impact that violence can have on both individuals and communities. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to youth violence, whether they are social, economic, or psychological.
For viewers, Adolescence is not just an entertaining drama; it’s a thought-provoking look at the struggles teens face in today’s society, and the ripple effects of those challenges. With its powerful performances and timely message, Adolescence is sure to spark important conversations about how we can create a safer, more supportive environment for young people everywhere.
