Stephen Graham’s New Netflix Drama: A Deep Dive into Youth Violence
During a recent event in London, acclaimed actor Stephen Graham (known for his roles in Boiling Point and Bodies) shared insights into his upcoming Netflix series Adolescence, which is set to debut on Thursday. Graham highlighted the alarming rise of knife crime among young men in the UK, emphasizing the urgency behind the show’s concept.
Plot Synopsis and Themes
Adolescence presents the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who faces grave charges following the murder of a schoolmate. This narrative dilemma probes critical societal questions surrounding parental responsibility and the impact of toxic masculinity, bullying, and societal pressures on youth. Graham stars as Eddie, Jamie’s father, while an ensemble cast includes Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe and Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston.
Creative Backing
The series is co-written by Graham and notable screenwriter Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, Enola Holmes), with direction from Philip Barantini, who previously collaborated with Graham on the critically acclaimed film Boiling Point. This creative team aims to shed light on the complexities of modern adolescence in a gripping and innovative format.
Character Insights from Stephen Graham
Graham describes his character Eddie as an ordinary father striving to provide for his family but abruptly confronted with his son’s shocking accusation. “He’s just a hard-working man trying to do his best,” Graham remarks about Eddie’s character and the emotional turmoil he experiences.
Addressing Knife Crime and Societal Issues
Graham shared the inspiration behind the series title, noting that many young boys, whose brains are still developing, have been involved in grievous incidents of violence against young girls. He questioned the societal factors contributing to this trend: “It made me ponder deeply on what is happening in our society. We often simplify these tragedies by placing blame solely on the families involved,” he reflected.
Innovative Filmmaking: A One-Shot Approach
The series employs a unique one-shot filming technique, merging aspects of theater with television. Graham described the rehearsals as an all-encompassing experience, allowing the cast to fully immerse themselves in their roles. “We rehearsed each episode for an entire week,” he explained. “The process was incredibly grounding, creating an atmosphere of focused creativity.”
He also found that performing in a continuous take provided a meditative, zen-like state. “We’re in character from ‘action’ to ‘cut,'” he stated, emphasizing the seamless integration of acting and technical execution, which required meticulous choreography.