15-year-old Owen Cooper, who recently shot to fame for his role as Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence, has revealed how his co-star Stephen Graham helped him tap into his emotions during the filming of their intense one-take episodes.
Cooper, who portrays a schoolboy accused of killing his classmate, has earned praise for his raw and captivating performance, with fans already calling for him to win a BAFTA for his work.
In a candid conversation with Variety, Owen shared the chilling words spoken by Stephen Graham, who plays his on-screen father, Eddie Miller.
“There was a time in episode one, when it was just us two, in the police cell,” Owen recalled.
“Stephen scruffed me up and said, ‘You’re never going to see your mum again, you’re never going to see your dad again,’ and he kept going on and on.
That was the moment when I started getting emotional in every take.”
Owen continued, explaining that the emotional breakthrough came after feeling frustrated with his lack of emotion in earlier scenes.
“That really helped me get into character. Stephen was amazing to work with,” he said, grateful for the mentorship and support his co-star provided throughout the filming process.
Owen Cooper Reflects on His Unexpected Journey to Acting
Despite being a relative newcomer to the acting world, Owen’s path to Adolescence has been anything but typical.
The teenager admitted that he only seriously started considering acting a couple of years ago, initially dreaming of becoming a footballer.
“I don’t know what it was, but I just wanted to give acting a try,” he explained.
His journey began with lessons that quickly turned into auditions.
Owen eventually landed an agency and, soon after, received a self-tape request for Adolescence.
The rest, as they say, is history. Owen’s performance in the groundbreaking show has earned him widespread recognition, and many fans are now eagerly awaiting news of a potential second season.
The Mystery of the Knife in Adolescence—Is the Truth Hidden in Plain Sight?
One of the biggest mysteries in Adolescence is the missing knife that plays a pivotal role in the storyline, and fans have been desperate to uncover its whereabouts since the final episode.
Writer Jack Thorne recently confirmed that while the question of the knife’s location is central to the show’s second episode, it will not be answered directly.
“We couldn’t cover every corner of the story,” Thorne explained.
“The knife question is something we intentionally left unanswered.
It felt inauthentic to try and force it into the dialogue later on.”
Thorne added that the show’s unique one-take format is designed to challenge traditional expectations of storytelling, and the unresolved mystery was part of that approach.
Fans Discover Major Clue That Could Reveal Jamie’s Fate in the First Episode
Fans of Adolescence have also uncovered a fascinating clue that could foreshadow Jamie’s fate, and it was hidden in plain sight in the first episode.
On TikTok, one sharp-eyed viewer pointed out that during the scene where police burst into Jamie’s family home to arrest him, Jamie is seen placing his hand on the wall of his bedroom.
The rip in the wallpaper, they argued, closely resembles the shape of a knife.
This discovery sparked a flurry of discussion among fans, many of whom had not noticed the detail before.
“The tear in the wallpaper looks like a knife,” one viewer commented.
“It’s amazing how people missed this!” Others pointed out similar symbolic imagery later in the show, such as the rip reappearing in scenes involving Jamie’s father, Eddie, suggesting that the show’s creators had intentionally woven these clues into the narrative.
Will Adolescence Continue with More Teen-Related Issues in Future Seasons?
As Adolescence continues to captivate audiences, the future of the show seems bright.
After breaking streaming records with 24.3 million views in just four days, the show’s creators are considering a second season.
According to a source, Adolescence is being hailed as a format that could explore different teen-related issues in each season, with its innovative one-take approach being a key part of its appeal.
“There’s plenty of scope for more in the same vein,” the source said.
“The show has tapped into a parent’s biggest fear, and the one-take style has really got people talking.
Execs are thrilled with the reception, and they’re already thinking about the next steps.”
The Cast of Adolescence Includes Some Familiar Faces
In addition to Owen Cooper’s breakthrough performance as Jamie Miller, the show features an impressive cast of actors.
Stephen Graham, known for his role as Eddie Miller, plays Jamie’s father, while Christine Tremarco portrays his mother, Manda.
Amélie Pease plays Jamie’s sister, Lisa, and Ashley Walters takes on the role of DI Luke Bascombe.
Erin Doherty, meanwhile, plays psychiatrist Briony Ariston, adding further depth to the show’s complex characters.
Fans are eagerly awaiting any updates about the future of Adolescence, with many hoping for a second season that will continue to tackle tough topics surrounding toxic masculinity, family dynamics, and the pressures faced by modern-day teenagers.
Stream All Episodes of Adolescence Now on Netflix
If you haven’t yet experienced Adolescence, all episodes are now available to stream on Netflix.
The show’s unique storytelling, compelling performances, and deep exploration of societal issues make it a must-watch for anyone interested in powerful drama that challenges traditional norms.