Owen Cooper In Adolescence Might Just Be The Performance Of The Year
While everything about Netflix's Adolescence is absolutely incredible, it is Owen Cooper's work as Jamie Miller that stands out the most
When was the last time you saw a performance that made you want to get up and applaud the actor? For me, it was at the end of the 3rd episode of Netflix's much-loved series, Adolescence, that's currently the talk of town for its gritty screenplay, gut-wrenching plotline and exceptional performances.
Everything about the show is sublime - it is without a doubt an absolute must-watch. Not a conventional, 'entertaining' show by any stretch of imagination, it's hard to watch and yet, you can't stop yourself from watching. If you haven't watched the show yet, I strongly urge you to give it a shot.
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But coming back to why I wanted to get up from my couch and applaud, which I actually did, it's the performances by the cast that truly elevate the show from brilliant to extraordinarily exceptional. In particular, Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller, Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston and the standout star, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller.
The fact that this is Cooper's first-ever acting credit is incredible. That he got to play such a complex character this early in his career is remarkable. I don't think I've seen a more riveting performance by any actor in a long time. Cooper makes you feel sorry for Jamie, when needed, and even scared of him when warranted. It's a performance so layered, I almost didn't believe this was his first acting job.
The boy is not even 18 years old in real life and he's given a performance so self-assured, it's better than what most actors are able to do after spending decades in the business. Cooper captures Jamie's innocence, anger, confusion and inner turbulence with complete conviction. It's such a joy watching him act!
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The third episode of the show is an absolute stand-out primarily because of Cooper's performance.
For the entirety of the episode, Cooper's Jamie is in a session with his psychologist for a pre-trial report of his mental health. It's not an easy setting for any actor - for the next 45 minutes, Jamie goes through a myriad emotions. He's confused, angry, arrogant, frustrated, sad, repenting, sly and even, scared. And the way Cooper plays these emotions is so good, you're almost mirroring the emotions of his psychologist in the scene. When she gets scared of his violent outburst, you too feel the chills - I actually shuddered while watching it!
Everything about Adolescence works. It deserves every word of praise its getting. From the writing to the direction, everything is fantastic. But it's Cooper's phenomenal performance that stays with you long after the show is over. I can't wait to see what this young actor does next!