Adolescence has generated a lot of discussion around toxic masculinity and online radicalisation. Series co-creator Jack Thorne has even spoken in Parliament about misogyny among young men and boys. But why has this series captured so many people’s attention?
Stellar Artistry
It cannot be underestimated how integral the show’s craftsmanship is to its popularity. One of the series’ most awe-inspiring elements is how each episode unfolds in one continuous take. It is an amazing technical feat that provides immediacy to the story. The direction of the camera and the actors, with everything flowing smoothly in real time, gives viewers the sense that they are locked into the narrative until the end. It also instils the feeling that this story’s subject matter should not be turned away from.
The inability to cut away also means the actors must embody their characters for much longer than expected on TV shows. Thereby making them feel less like constructions for the screen and more like real people.
Where a conventional approach may have made Adolescence seem like just another TV drama, the show’s focus on crafting authenticity and immediacy gives the subjects discussed the weight they deserve.
Pressing Issues
Adolescence has also struck a nerve because it is one of the highest-profile projects to highlight the real-world concerns around online misogyny culture.
The show uses the actual terminology and symbols of misogynistic online circles e.g. the red pill, the 80/20 rule, incels etc. even name dropping Andrew Tate, to make the story feel realistic. It also highlights the gulf between young people and their guardians on this issue. The boys are all immersed in internet culture. They encounter manosphere content just by being online. Several even feel comfortable expressing the manosphere’s sexist attitudes openly. This correlates with studies saying many young people have heard of people like Andrew Tate. With a not insignificant number admitting they agree with his horrendous views. Meanwhile, the adults are always on the back foot. Many are trying to understand something they have little experience with. Even those who understand have trouble combating the message’s impact due to social media’s prevalence. Something many parents and teachers are concerned about.
And as the show discusses, the unchallenged proliferation of this content can have horrendous consequences. The 2024 Killings of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt, the Plymouth 2021 shooting, and the 2014 Isla Vista killings all show how internet misogyny culture can contribute to violence.
It Takes A Village
But what elevates Adolescence is that, beyond highlighting the dehumanising, dangerous misogyny growing online, its effects on young minds and older people’s inexperience with the internet hindering potential help, it shows how other things contribute to Jamie’s radicalisation and his murder of classmate Katie.
Jamie’s parents don’t frequently check in on him, and his dad is often away due to work. Meaning he lacks parental guidance. His school’s staff are stretched to breaking point, causing young people to slip through the cracks. Toxic masculinity is also shown to be fully normalised offline. DI Bascombe is indifferent to guns being pointed in innocent people’s faces, and male teachers shout at kids rather than trying to engage with them. Boys ruthlessly mock or turn away in shame when boys show anything perceived as weakness. As Jamie’s unfortunate football story illustrates. Plus, girls/women are often viewed antagonistically for not letting boys do what they want. Teachers are insulted, and Katie is viewed negatively for rebuffing Jamie.
Systemic and cultural factors also help create an environment where Jamie is made to feel isolated and resentful, particularly towards women. Making him a prime target for online misogynistic indoctrination.
Conclusion
Adolescence is a brilliantly made, thoughtful show that highlights concerns of online misogyny leading to real-life harm in a way that rings true to viewers. However, the creators also know that solutions to this problem are not just down to individuals. Systemic change is also needed.
