When it premiered last month on Netflix, “Adolescence” quickly made an indelible mark, netting 24.3 million in the first four days alone. By the 11th day, the show had amassed 66.3 million views—the highest two-week total to date for any of the streamer’s limited series. Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne’s British crime drama is a deep dive into the “manosphere” and incel culture, making viewers question how the internet and social media is affecting today’s youth.
Director Philip Barantini filmed each episode without any cutaways, an innovative technique that makes for an intimate viewing experience. “There’s no stitching of takes together,” cinematographer Matthew Lewis told Variety. “It was one entire shot whether I wanted it to be or not.”
In this guide, we crack the case on how to get cast on a crime thriller like “Adolescence.”
JUMP TO
The story kicks off when seemingly average 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The detectives and psychologists tasked with piecing together the details of the crime discover that Jamie’s actions were influenced by some of the most violent, extreme corners of the internet.
“Adolescence” shines a light on the dangers posed by young men’s increasing embrace of toxic masculinity. It’s led viewers to consider how they can alter the discourse and minimize the type of rage and cruelty that spawns such unthinkable crimes in real life.
- Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller
- Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller
- Christine Tremarco as Manda Miller
- Ashley Walters as DI Luke Bascombe
- Faye Marsay as DS Misha Frank
- Mark Stanley as Paulie Barlow
- Bidi Iredale as Eileen
- Austin Haynes as Fredo
- Amari Bacchus as Adam Bascombe
- Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston
- Amelie Pease as Lisa Miller
- Faye McKeever as Erica
- Jo Hartley as Mrs. Fenumore
- Hannah Walters as Mrs. Bailey
- Fatima Bojang as Jade
- Kaine Davis as Ryan
- Douglas Russell as Victor
Shaheen Baig (“Black Mirror,” “Peaky Blinders”) put together the ensemble. Here’s how the CD fosters a positive audition experience for children when dealing with heavy subject matter.
Making it as a young actor isn’t easy; these guides can help both children and parents navigate the industry:
- How to Become a Child Actor
- 6 Things Every Child Actor Needs to Start Their Career
- How to Become an Actor in the U.K.
Here are a few deep dives into the audition process for young performers:
- How to Audition for Netflix
- 8 Ways to Prep Kids for On-Camera Auditions
- 5 CDs Share Their Top Audition Advice for Kids + Teens
Though “Adolescence” was written as a limited series, producers Graham and Hannah Walters told Variety that, thanks to the show’s runaway success, they’re considering the possibility of extending the story.
While you await news of the show’s fate, check out these casting roundups:
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on these casting directories: