Netflix’s latest British drama, Adolescence, has left viewers shaken and for good reason. Released just last week, the four-part series has already shot to the top of the platform’s charts globally. But this isn’t your regular crime show; it’s a raw, disturbing exploration of male violence, social media influence, and the kind of quiet rage that can twist a teenage boy’s life beyond recognition.
The story centres on Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. Played by newcomer Owen Cooper, Jamie is ripped from his home during a dawn police raid, and the camera never blinks. Shot in a single, continuous take, each hour-long episode drags you through his world without giving you a moment to look away. Director Philip Barantini, of Boiling Point fame, and cinematographer Matt Lewis make sure of that. The effect is claustrophobic, relentless and impossible to forget.
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But Adolescence should be spoken about beyond its technical brilliance. Co-writer Jack Thorne and actor Stephen Graham, who also plays Jamie’s father, set out to confront an uncomfortable truth: boys are being shaped by a toxic online world. Misogyny and violence are everywhere, pushed by influencers more dangerous than the ones who grab headlines. Thorne says the show isn’t about Andrew Tate, even if his name pops up briefly. “It’s about something far bigger,” he explains. “Kids are getting drawn into darker places we don’t even fully understand.”
Stephen Graham’s inspiration for the series came after reading two separate news stories about boys stabbing girls. “It broke my heart,” he says. “I just kept asking, ‘Why is this happening?’” Adolescence doesn’t offer neat answers. Instead, it forces us to look at male rage head-on.
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The acting is extraordinary. While Graham delivers as always, it’s Owen Cooper who actually steals the show. His portrayal of Jamie swings from childlike fear to simmering anger without missing a beat. Critics are calling his performance “astonishing” and predicting big things while he’s already landed a role in Wuthering Heights opposite Margot Robbie.
What makes Adolescence hit even harder is its refusal to preach. As Erin Doherty, who plays a child psychologist in the series, puts it: “It’s not here to fix anything. It just wants us to talk about it.”
And talk, we should.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.