Adolescence ’s Success in India Shocks Stephen Graham – Here’s Why
Stephen Graham, known for roles in Boardwalk Empire and The Irishman, did not anticipate the global reach of his latest project, Adolescence. The four-part Netflix series has impressed critics and earned a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story revolves around a 13-year-old boy accused of murder and how it impacts his life and those around him. Graham, who co-wrote and starred in the series as the boy’s father, recently spoke about its massive reception in an interview with Rolling Stone.
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India’s Unexpected Love for Adolescence
When Adolescence premiered on Netflix on March 14, Graham expected it to gain traction in the UK. However, he never imagined the show would become a massive hit in India. Within days, it topped Netflix’s global charts, with India showing immense engagement.
“I got a message from a friend saying how big Adolescence is in India,” Graham shared. “And my first reaction was, ‘Wait, did you say India?!’ I couldn’t believe it.”
The overwhelming response from Indian viewers stunned Graham. He initially thought the show’s deeply British themes might limit its appeal. “It felt very local when we made it,” he explained. “But it has created a ripple effect far beyond what I imagined.”
The Inspiration Behind Adolescence
Many believed Adolescence was inspired by real-life events, given its gripping storyline. However, Graham revealed that the idea came to him in an instant. After attending an awards show, he was traveling with his close friend and collaborator Philip Barantini when the entire concept struck him.
“I swear on my late mother’s life,” Graham recalled. “The entire show came to me in a flash. Every single detail.”
The actor-filmmaker was deeply disturbed by real news reports about teenage boys involved in violent crimes. He wanted to explore what led these young boys down such dark paths. “They aren’t grown men committing these acts. They’re kids,” he said. “That thought haunted me.”
Bringing Adolescence to Life
Stephen Graham and Philip Barantini wanted Adolescence to feel raw and real. They used a single-take filming style in many scenes to immerse the audience in the story.
The lead role of the young boy was given to Owen Cooper, a 14-year-old with no prior acting experience. Erin Doherty played the psychologist, while Graham himself portrayed the troubled father. Throughout the series, Graham’s character struggles with his emotions, ultimately breaking under the weight of guilt and anger.
“I wanted to create a social drama that reflects what’s happening with young boys today,” Graham said. “We have a serious crisis, and we need to start talking about it. This show is my way of starting that conversation.”
Despite doubts about whether audiences were ready for such a discussion, Adolescence has proven that people are willing to engage. “I wasn’t sure if this was the right time,” Graham admitted. “But seeing how people are responding, I believe this is just the beginning.”
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