How Stephen Graham Carried the Weight of Adolescence
Briefly

Adolescence features Stephen Graham in a departure from his usual tough-guy roles, portraying Eddie, the father of a boy who commits a grave act of violence. Each episode, filmed in a single continuous take, deeply immerses viewers in the intense emotional journeys of the characters. The series examines Jamie's transformation during his time in a youth facility, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion when he decides to plead guilty. Graham’s nuanced portrayal of Eddie reveals the struggles of masculine vulnerability and the complexities of a father's grief and confusion over his son's actions.
Stephen Graham portrays Eddie, a father struggling with his son's violent crime in the raw series Adolescence, showcasing vulnerability instead of machismo that characterizes his past roles.
Each episode of Adolescence utilizes one continuous camera take, enhancing emotional immersion and emphasizing the characters' complex responses to intense situations, particularly Jamie's journey.
The series culminates with a heart-wrenching scene as Eddie grapples with his son Jamie's guilty plea, revealing deep existential turmoil and a yearning for understanding.
Adolescence's poignant exploration of vulnerability in masculinity and the consequences of youth violence unfolds through the relationship between father and son in a gripping narrative.
Read at Vulture
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