Adolescence, a recently released Tv show on Netflix, has taken the internet by storm–people on apps like TikTok, Instagram, X, and more are talking about the thrilling show. The show explores themes of social media and the impact it has had on the youth of our generation, and the dangers exposed to young minds.
The show follows a 13-year-old boy, Jaime (Played by Owen Cooper), who is accused of murder and taken in for questioning. As the show progresses, it goes deeper into the overall theme: how the media has pressed the idea of a “masculine man” onto young boys and the impact this has had.
With the acting, the writing, and even the cinematography, the watcher is drawn into the harrowing story. Cooper gives a compelling and remarkable performance from beginning to end. He captures Jaime’s struggles in school and the media and how this led him to do what he did.
The young actor gave an emotional and deep performance, even keeping it together when he had to scream at other actors and curse and talk about certain subjects that can be difficult for young boys. Despite his age, his talent was clear to see. He was able to play a character who did bad things without being scared to be honest in his performance.
The rest of the cast, including Jaime’s family, the officers who arrest him, and his therapist, also give incredible performances. Jaime’s family portrays the shock and heartbreak following the arrest. The officers showed the calm they feel when handling these cases, but the emotional baggage it brings. His therapist showed someone who truly wanted to understand but was still scared of the person she needed to help.
Throughout the show, the plot and script were both well thought out and did an excellent job at showing what happens when things like this occur. How families are completely broken up and the grief that comes with it.
Not only this, but it was realistic as to how the media has encouraged young boys to be their most “masculine selves,” which often just means being dominant to those around them and encouraging violence on those who don’t comply.
From influencers to algorithms, boys are exposed to a more aggressive view of masculinity. This has promoted a spike in boys feeling insecure about how manly they have to be and then taking it out on those around them.
Adolescent does a great portrayal of this through Jaime, showing how he was simply trying to be more like the men around him, and from this fell into social media and the dangerous “advice” it gives.
The only issue within adolescence is its length – with only four episodes, and each one being around 50 minutes, the show is quite short. The topic it is handling deserves more attention and a longer show with more information devoted to it.
Overall, the show is entertaining, suspenseful, and a good commentary on how modern social media is affecting adolescents, and the violence being exposed to young minds.
