Netflix’s production Adolescence is an engaging and emotional roller coaster ride, telling the story of 13 year old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who finds himself arrested for suspicion of murdering one of his classmates. Not only does the show cover the steps of the murder investigation, but deep dives into themes of toxic masculinity, cyber bullying, teen violence, and sexualities’ role in cognitive development. 

     The show is a four episode series, where each episode runs for roughly one hour. All of the episodes are shot in one shot, to show the rushed busyness and intensity of each and every episode. The power of not having editing cuts leaves room for almost dry and painfully awkward moments that left me pondering on the authentically painful moments I had just witnessed. 

     Episode three, an interview between Cooper and the psychologist (Erin Doherty) sent to give an assessment for trial. The scene is bitterly intense, showing an array of emotions both from Doherty and Cooper. Cooper shows flares of misogyny and egotistical behavior throughout the whole scene, somewhat breaking any sort of remorse you felt for him. The sheer violent rage we see seeping out of Cooper is quite unsettling and causing you to start losing sympathy for his character. 

     Throughout the series there were many metaphors and hidden messages that were left open to interpretation from the writers.

One of the main focuses was putting the spotlight on young men and the struggles that this digital era brings to our lives. How readily available porn, incel culture, and other dangerous materials was something that the production was used to put a light on, which many people misinterpreted. Some people looked at this spotlight as a slam at men, claiming all male figures display toxic masculinity when in reality they were attempting to show quite the opposite and give a chance to bring attention to this issue. 

     I found this series to be very emotional and metaphorically powerful. I would encourage all teens/young adults, teachers, and parents to watch Adolescence, in hopes of taking away the many messages of how sexual emotions affect cognitive development, cyber bullying, and the violence that can be elicited from improper love and affection.