11.32°C Vancouver

Apr 17, 2025 12:24 PM - Connect Newsroom

A Wake-Up Call Named Adolescence: A Review from the Heart

Share On
a-wake-up-call-named-adolescence-a-review-from-the-heart
The impact of this limited series lingers long after the final episode fades out. It haunted me.(Photo: Instagram/stephengraham1973)

Movie: Adolescence

Cast: Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay

Network: Netflix

Jasmine Singh

A little before the buzz turned into a full-blown furor, I had the chance to watch Netflix's Adolescence. Or, as we might say it in India—Adolo-scence. But let me tell you—however you pronounce it, the chill doesn't go away.

The impact of this limited series lingers long after the final episode fades out. It haunted me. It made me think about my niece and nephew, both around the same age as the kids in the show. It made me wonder: Could I write to Kevin Systrom and plead with him to ban Instagram for teenagers? For kids? For adolescents (yes, in the Indian accent, too)? And if he were to ask me why, I would dive right into how I felt after watching this show.

Take 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper. He’s dragged to the police station in front of his stunned parents, Eddie and his younger sister. I sat there thinking: Surely, he’ll walk free. He’s just a child. This must be a misunderstanding. The police will apologize, right?

But then the officers present evidence—cold, hard proof—that shatters that comforting illusion. And the pit in my stomach grows deeper.

Now, if Kevin were to ask again, “What does social media have to do with this?” I’d point him straight to the details that unravel through the four gripping episodes, all directed by Philip Barantini in a single-take format that adds raw immediacy to the story.

I’d especially draw his attention to Episode 3, which unfolds almost entirely in one room—where Jamie is interviewed by psychiatrist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty). It’s brutal. Spine-chilling. Unforgettable.

Where is all this rage coming from? That’s the question. And the answer, tragically, seems to lie in the way social media has embedded itself in adolescent identity. The series subtly but clearly shows young teens trying desperately to put their "best face forward" online—chasing likes, seeking validation, competing for attention. Girls trying to impress boys. Boys trying to gain status. It’s a pressure cooker of popularity contests.

And yes, I did hear Jamie mention Andrew Tate. That, in itself, says a lot.

This series isn’t just storytelling—it’s a wake-up call. A brutal mirror held up to what our children are consuming and who they’re becoming.

So yes, Mr. Systrom—this is what we want our adolescents to grow up with? No. It’s not. It’s time to rethink what we’ve allowed into their lives.

Control social media now—or risk losing an entire generation to its grip.

Latest news

jassie-gill-on-unbreakable-friendships-fatherhood-and-his-undying-love-for-cricket-a-heartfelt-reunion-in-canada
PollywoodOct 15, 2025

Jassie Gill on Unbreakable Friendships, Fatherhood, and His Undying Love for Cricket – A Heartfelt Reunion in Canada

Jasmine Singh It felt like a scene straight out of a Punjabi film two old friends reconnecting after nearly 8 to 9 years. The setting? Canada Super 60, a vibrant cricketing event where singer-actor Jassie Gill was performing. What started as a chance meeting quickly turned into a heartfelt reunion, filled with laughter, memories, and a candid conversation at BC Place, Vancouver. In a freewheeling interview, Jassie opened up about the constants in his life — friendships, family, and cricket. “It’s no secret that I’ve always loved cricket,” he shared. “Now, Babbal, Prabh, and I have
ed-sheeran-collaborates-with-karan-aujla-a-musical-fusion
PollywoodOct 15, 2025

Ed Sheeran Collaborates with Karan Aujla: A Musical Fusion

Jasmine Singh In an exciting turn of events, Ed Sheeran has announced his collaboration with Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, sharing a sneak peek on social media. Karan, affectionately known as the "Munda from Surrey," has made a significant mark in the Punjabi music scene and Bollywood, gaining recognition on an international scale. Originally from Punjab, Karan Aujla has built a loyal fan base, particularly among Punjabis in Canada, especially in Surrey and Brampton. His recent shift to Dubai hasn’t diminished his popularity; if anything, it has broadened his reach. Karan's unique style a
pankaj-dheer-karna-of-iconic-mahabharat-serial-dies-at-68
BollywoodOct 15, 2025

Pankaj Dheer, Karna of iconic 'Mahabharat' serial, dies at 68

Television star Pankaj Dheer, known for playing Karna in B R Chopra's “Mahabharat” and king Shivdutt in fantasy drama “Chandrakanta”, has died at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. “He passed away due to cancer this morning. He had been in and out of hospital in the past months,” producer and friend Ashoke Pandit told Dheer, who hailed from Punjab, started out as an actor in the 1980s, featuring in minor roles in many movies. His big break came in 1988 when he was cast as Karna in the small screen adaptation of Hindu epic “Mahabharata”. After that, his popularity pe
surrey-mourns-the-loss-of-beloved-punjabi-singer-rajvir-jwanda-a-heartfelt-farewell
PollywoodOct 09, 2025

Surrey Mourns the Loss of Beloved Punjabi Singer Rajvir Jwanda: A Heartfelt Farewell

Jasmine Singh The Punjabi music industry is in mourning following the passing of Rajvir Jwanda, who had been on a ventilator for the last 11 days. His untimely death has sent shockwaves across the continent, with condolences pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike. From Surrey to Calgary, Brampton to Winnipeg, Punjabi communities are coming together to honor the legacy of a singer who meant so much to them. Gatherings are being held in various cities, where fans reminisce about the joy Rajvir's music brought to their lives. His songs were the highlight of every celebration, whethe
actor-bodybuilder-varinder-ghuman-dies-at-42
PollywoodOct 09, 2025

Actor-bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman dies at 42

Popular Jalandhar-based bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman (42) passed away during treatment at Fortis Hospital in Amritsar this evening. Jalandhar-based bodybuilder Harminder Dullowal said that Ghuman had a muscle rupture in the chest area and had gone to Amritsar for treatment. “We had never expected that he would meet this fate. It is very difficult to accept this loss,” he said. Transitioning to cinema, Ghuman made his Punjabi film debut with ‘Kabaddi Once More’ in 2012 and later appeared in Bollywood films such as ‘Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans’ (2014) and ‘Marjaa

Related News

No records found.