Warning: This review might include spoilers!
As a parent, you’ve probably heard of Adolescence by now. Netflix has been buzzing about this one “Another teen drama?” – I thought…
As a mum of a teen, I felt like I had to watch this one—just to see what all the fuss was about. And wow, it’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before.
The Plot
The show follows the Miller family’s journey as they cope with their son, Jamie, being involved in a crime.
Each episode gets deeper into the emotional toll it takes on the entire family. It’s tough to watch, but it paints a very real picture of what teens go through today.
As a parent, there were moments in the show where I couldn’t help but think, What if this happened to my family? What if something happened to my son, or he got caught up in something out of his control? I found myself questioning how well I really know my kid and if I’m doing enough to protect him from the things he’s facing.
Adolescence has also earned praise for its innovative storytelling technique. Each episode is shot in a single continuous take, a unique approach that has been widely admired for its technical achievement. Director Philip Barantini explained that the entire hour is filmed without stopping the camera. This bold filming choice has garnered praise from viewers, including Jeremy Clarkson, who commended the skillful execution of the camera work.
The Growing Impact of Social Media: Adolescence Highlights Online Dangers for Teens
The recent Netflix series Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the growing influence of social media on young people, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it an “emerging and growing problem.” The show, which became a global hit over the weekend, highlights the dangerous impact of misogynistic influencers and toxic online cultures on teenage boys. Through its portrayal of a tragic event, the series shines a light on how these platforms can distort young minds, feeding insecurities and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about masculinity.
Starmer, who watched the drama with his own children, stressed the urgent need to address the violence carried out by young men influenced by what they see online, calling it “abhorrent.” Creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham hope that Adolescence will spark broader discussions about online radicalization and inspire real change. They’ve called for screenings of the show in schools and Parliament to raise awareness and provide young people with healthier role models in a world where social media has such a powerful hold.
Is Netflix Adolescence a true story?
Adolescence is not based on a true story, but it draws inspiration from real-world issues, particularly the rising knife crime epidemic in the UK. The series is fictional, but its creators, including star Stephen Graham, were deeply influenced by the alarming rise in violent crimes involving young people.
Graham, who co-created and starred in the series, shared that the idea for the show stemmed from his concern about the surge in knife-related violence among young men over the past decade. In an interview, he explained that several tragic incidents stood out, especially cases where young boys were involved in violent acts that led to the deaths of young girls. These shocking events made him ask, “Why is this happening? What is going on in society to cause this?”
One such incident, where a young boy allegedly stabbed a girl, particularly disturbed Graham, leading him to reflect on the broader societal issues at play. He was compelled to create a series that would explore these themes and provoke thought about the deeper reasons behind this troubling trend.
What Parents Are Saying about Netflix “Adolescence” on Mumsnet
I’m not the only parent who’s talking about this series. Mums and dads on Mumsnet are all over it. Some are saying, “Absolutely stupendous and very difficult watch at the same time. I thought the psychologist, the young lad but particularly Stephen Graham were exceptional. The dialogue was incredible, the family in the van was absolutely perfect.” Others are a bit more shaken, with one mum sharing, “I feel like I’ve been hit with a ton of bricks. It’s made me realise how much I need to be talking to my son.”
“Just finished it – the last episode is heart wrenching”
Here’s another comment from a parent
User reviews on IMDB about Netflix “Adolescence” are also interesting to read
And then it hit me hard. I’m a mum who tries to keep an open line of communication with my son, but there are times when I wonder if I’m missing something. Maybe he’s hiding something, or maybe I’m just too busy to notice what he’s really going through. Adolescence made me realise just how crucial it is to really talk to our kids. Not just the “how was your day?” questions, but the deeper ones that get at what’s happening in their hearts and minds.
What @parenting_my_teen community says on Instagram
I asked my @parenting_my_teen parent community instagram community what they think and here are some parent’s thoughts
“I watched it yesterday… it’s a punch in the stomach!!! Waking up all parents to be more aware!!!”
Why It’s Worth Watching “Adolescence”
I won’t lie, Adolescence isn’t an easy watch. But I think it’s necessary, especially for parents of teens. It covers tough topics like toxic masculinity, peer pressure, and how modern social media can shape and even destroy lives. The pressure on kids today is unlike anything we faced growing up, and this series does a great job of illustrating just how hard it can be to navigate it all.
I’ll be honest, after watching it, I found myself having some long talk with my son. Nothing dramatic, just asking him about his friends, how he feels about school, and what’s going on in his life.
Personal Takeaways
For me, the biggest takeaway from Adolescence was understanding that no matter how well I think I know my child, there’s always more to learn. It made me realise how important it is to not just protect my son, but to really be there for him and make sure he feels supported.
One moment that really stuck with me was in the second episode when the mother character breaks down and admits that she didn’t see the signs. It was heartbreaking to watch. Sometimes, we’re so caught up in the hustle of daily life that we forget to truly see what our kids might be struggling with. And that, to me, was the hardest truth of all.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent, especially of a teen or preteen, Adolescence is a must-watch. It’s uncomfortable, it’s raw, and it forces you to confront the realities of the teenage experience today. After watching it, I felt compelled to sit down with my son and have those deeper conversations I’ve been putting off. It’s a reminder that our kids need us now more than ever, even if they don’t always show it.
Yes, it’s tough to watch, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need as parents—to really see what’s happening in our children’s lives and be the support system they need, even when they push us awaw.
Parents also talk
No, Adolescence on Netflix is not based on a true story. It is a fictional drama that explores the struggles and complexities of teenage life, particularly focusing on themes such as mental health, peer pressure, family dynamics, and the pressures of growing up in the digital age. While the series tackles very real and relatable issues, the story, characters, and events are not directly drawn from any specific real-life occurrences.
As of now, Adolescence on Netflix has just one season, which contains 4 episodes. The show is a limited series, and there’s no official word yet on whether it will be renewed for a second season.
The Adolescents is a thoughtful coming-of-age film with mature themes like identity, friendship, and sexuality. It’s rated R for language and some adult content. If you’re comfortable discussing these topics with your teen, it could be a great way to start meaningful conversations, but it depends on their maturity level. Watching it together could be a good way to gauge if it’s suitable.
Spoiler Alert: Ending of Adolescence
The series culminates in a tense and heartbreaking conclusion, exploring the consequences of toxic online culture, misogynistic influences, and the impact of knife crime. The story follows the unraveling of a family after their teenage son is arrested for the tragic killing of a female classmate. As the series progresses, viewers witness the emotional toll on the family, the complexities of the son’s behavior, and the broader societal issues that led to his actions.
In the final episodes, the series tackles the psychological and emotional aftermath, shedding light on the reasons behind his violent actions and the role social media played in shaping his perceptions of masculinity and relationships. It’s a thought-provoking, bittersweet ending that doesn’t offer easy answers but calls attention to the growing problems in today’s society regarding youth violence and online radicalization.
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