If you didn’t know by now, “Adolescence” on Netflix has been one of the most talked about shows in 2025. The British drama is a limited series about a family who has to deal with the ramifications of their adolescent son who has been arrested for murdering a classmate. The thriller has a vast depth of themes ranging from social dynamics, paranoia, mental health, and guilt. The show knows how to grasp you at the edge of your seat, as evidenced by its purely one-shot take. An impressive fear considering how layered the storytelling is.
The one component that has made this show work is Owen Cooper’s portrayal of Jamie Miller, the family’s arrested son. The actor did an incredibly great job showcasing the complicated, confused ridden logic of an adolescent entering middle school. His boyish charm is very convincing but when that mask comes off, is when the beast awakens.
Take, for example, the viral therapist scene. This section includes a long take rotating around Jamie and his therapist discussing the implications of murder. Owen depicts the boy as childish yet unhinged. His freakout toward the Therapist asking questions and then calmly simmering to reveal he murdered his classmate is terrifying. What’s even more impressive is that it’s the 1st episode that Owen Cooper has ever acted in terms of production. The fact he was able to convey a murderous child is some top tier acting.
“Adolescence” has Emmy and BritAward nominee candidate material all over it. I’m expecting to see Owen Cooper to be in a lot more projects. Whether it’s British or American, is to be determined, but one thing is for sure – Owen Cooper has a bright future ahead.
