This four-hour series delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by a family and those closely involved in the case after 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested in a dramatic SWAT-like raid. His alleged crime? Unthinkable—the stabbing of a schoolmate.
Netflix describes Adolescence as “emotional” and “intimate,” and this becomes evident from the very first episode. The story begins just hours after the crime, portraying Jamie’s seemingly boyish innocence—his sheer fright causing him to wet his pants upon arrest, needing his father’s help to change.
This reminder that Jamie is just a boy resurfaces in the final minutes of the last episode, when, after breaking down in tears, his father lovingly tucks a teddy bear under his son’s blue bed covers.
While every episode leaves a lasting impression, the series’ core is best captured in Episode 3—the penultimate episode.
Set seven months after the murder, this episode takes us inside the training centre where Jamie is being held. Psychologist Briony plays a crucial role, expertly peeling back the layers of his thoughts, offering viewers a glimpse into his complex emotions and motives.
Admittedly, this created a moral dilemma for me—I felt sorry for Jamie, yet I couldn’t ignore the horrific crime he is accused of, especially when his temper flares. The episode cleverly unpacks pressing social issues, including bullying, self-esteem, popular culture, family dynamics, parental involvement, modern heterosexual relationships, and the struggles of growing up.
A critical aspect of Episode 3 is that, while it is merely mentioned and not shown, it marks Briony’s fifth visit with Jamie as she continues piecing together information for an independent pre-sentence offence report. Unlike the psychologists before her (also only mentioned, not shown), Briony makes time for Jamie, and as a result, he opens up in a way he hasn’t before.
This recurring theme of giving time and attention runs throughout the series.
Another standout is Episode 2, recognized for its brilliant camerawork, particularly in the final minutes. Most of the episode is set in the school environment, where Jamie and the victim once spent countless hours. However, the school comes across as detached and indifferent. Teachers seem clueless about what students are going through or what trends they are following—one even describes the children as “impossible.”
This lack of awareness and involvement from adults echoes throughout the series.
The final episode adds another layer to this theme, particularly through a heart-to-heart conversation between Jamie’s parents, where they reflect on their role in his upbringing.
Even DI Bascombe, the detective investigating the case, is not spared from this reality. In Episode 2, viewers witness his strained interaction with his son and a shocking revelation—he had no idea his own child was being bullied at school. This adds context to their phone conversation in Episode 1 and reinforces the idea that parents often miss crucial warning signs in their children’s lives.
Adolescence is not easy to watch, yet it raises urgent discussions about modern parenting, school systems, and the pressures of social media on youth.
A post-watch Google search about how much of the story was based on real events, coupled with thought-provoking social media discourse, further solidifies that this series is essential, timely, and deeply insightful.
I give this production a 10/10, especially because Episode 1 got straight to the point. Although Episode 2 almost throws one off due to Jamie’s lookalike friend, the storytelling remains gripping and thought-provoking.
This is one of those productions I firmly believe should be left exactly as it ended.