Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’: A Bold Take on True Crime’s Dark Side

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Approximately once a year, “The Show” makes its appearance on Netflix. This Show is not to be missed; everyone you know seems to be discussing it, and critics can’t stop raving about it. Previous years’ Shows, such as Tiger King, The Queen’s Gambit, Squid Game, and last year’s Baby Reindeer, have swept almost every mainstream award. It appears that this year’s Show is Adolescence, a new British miniseries created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham. Each of the four episodes is filmed in one continuous take, and Adolescence follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who stands accused of murdering his classmate.

While it’s premature to make a definitive statement, “Adolescence” might just be Netflix’s most captivating trend yet. It fearlessly explores the perils of toxic masculinity and the influence of social media on today’s young generation, sparking intriguing discussions about contemporary society. In an era where crime-centric content has been commercialized to its extreme, particularly on Netflix, it’s thought-provoking to ponder how the popularity and substance of “Adolescence” could influence ongoing debates within the True Crime genre. Simultaneously, it’s breaking viewership records in the UK. Could this groundbreaking series have pinpointed a deep-seated societal issue and addressed it effectively?

The Effects of True Crime

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the sleek allure that the true crime genre now exudes, it’s quite intriguing really. The roots of this fascination stretch way back to the 1500s, but it was Truman Capote’s non-fiction novel “In Cold Blood,” published in 1966, that ushered in the modern era of true crime. Today, instead of reading about these events, we consume them through podcasts, documentaries, or TV shows and films based on them. It seems like millions of people are hooked on true crime each day.

Interestingly enough, a 2022 poll revealed that approximately half of Americans find the true crime genre appealing, with 13% admitting it’s their favorite. This fascination shows no signs of waning, and in fact, interest in the genre has only grown stronger since. What’s more, true crime is becoming increasingly popular among younger audiences.

There’s a connection suggested by studies between the appeal of true crime content and issues like mental health problems, imitation crimes, and overall violence. Some might argue that they find educational value in true crime from a safety standpoint, but it appears that most are drawn to material that is shocking or sensational. In essence, there’s an inherent fascination with peering into real-life tragedies for entertainment. This fascination can be particularly strong when it comes to adapting such events for film and television.

It’s important to note that I’m not criticizing or belittling true crime enthusiasts (we all can get caught up in it). However, we must acknowledge that we seem to have crossed a line from which there is no turning back. Today, we are witnessing a widespread desensitization to violence due to the abundance of movies, TV shows, and podcasts available through streaming services. The ease with which anyone can access such content on smartphones makes it nearly impossible to control or censor anything. This becomes particularly concerning when you consider the impact this constant exposure to violent information has on children, who are growing up seeing it as a part of their everyday lives. This is exactly what the movie Adolescence so poignantly explores.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but be concerned about the content our children are consuming, especially when it comes to true crime or scary internet subcultures. In this digital age, they have access to an entire world of violence that we as parents might not always be aware of. If we’re not careful and vigilant, anything could slip through the cracks. This piece isn’t just about true crime, but about the darker corners of the internet that our adolescents are navigating. It serves as a reminder that if we don’t pay attention to what our young ones are exposed to, we risk creating nightmarish scenarios in their lives.

Going Where No Netflix Show Has Gone Before

It’s quite routine these days to turn anything even slightly intriguing into a movie or TV series. This practice has almost become a tradition in our historical narrative (often thought as “when will they make a film about this?”). Last year, Netflix stirred up a lot of debate following the release of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story“. This crime drama, based on the real-life murder committed by the Menendez brothers, faced criticism from both the brothers themselves and the general public for its insensitive portrayal and potential inaccuracies regarding the brothers’ characters and their relationship with their father.

Last season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series titled “Monster,” centered around serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, stirred up debates due to the emotional impact on victims’ families, questioning the ethics of dramatizing real-life tragedies for television. The show was almost a sensation and enjoyed considerable popularity and buzz, but it faced controversy that hindered its success.

Previously, the show “Baby Reindeer,” created by Richard Gadd, experienced tremendous success and held a deeply personal touch for him. Inspired by true events, it narrates the journey of a stand-up comic battling a relentless stalker and healing from unimaginable trauma. The show, however, was embroiled in several debates, such as a defamation lawsuit. Notably, the intriguing aspect about all these Netflix controversies is that they revolve around the ambiguous territory that arises when one creates television based on real individuals’ lives.

The TV show “Adolescence” was inspired by a troubling trend of young men committing violence against women, particularly knife crimes. Rather than being based on actual people or events, it serves as a cautionary tale that Stephen Graham, the co-creator and star, developed in response to this disturbing phenomenon. Consequently, the show does not glamorize or demonize real-life situations but rather aims to be a powerful call for action to both parents and viewers alike.

As a film enthusiast, it seems like we’ve been swamped with documentaries centering around the hardships of young women for quite some time now. Yet, surprisingly, for perhaps the first instance, a production dares to ponder over the impact this flood of content might be having on an often misconstrued generation. Adolescence invites viewers to reflect upon their role in molding a challenging future.

Adolescence is available to stream now on Netflix.

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2025-03-26 00:02