What would you do if your classmate just died and someone you know is being accused of their murder? The rising fame of Adolescence is truly explained through the amazing acting and cinematic experience. The show has recently won six emmys and has made history by having Owen Cooper, the boy who played the main character Jaimie Miller, be the youngest male to ever win an Emmy.
Adolescence is a Netflix show that is about a suspect with the name Jaimie Miller who is accused of killing his classmate Katie Leonard. Jaimie Miller is taken to interrogation and is taken for questioning with a psychologist, while the police are investigating the situation. The show is filled with heartbreak, trauma, and suspense. Students all over watching and hearing about this show can feel for Jaimie and what he is going through while also possibly understanding the trauma of Katie, who is dead.
The plot has truly given students a real hypothetical scenario played out where students are accused of killing another. The intensity and raw emotions about the classmates surrounding the situation feel awfully real and can show us our decisions really affect us, our family, and our friends.
When interviewing students in Cresskill High School, they were asked about a hypothetical scenario similar to Jaimie’s, while also mentioning Jaimie’s case later on in the questioning. Many had similar thoughts on topics while some could understand where the accused is coming from but would still separate themselves from that person. A few of the responses were “I would disassociate with them”, another student mentioned they would be in shock and confusion. One mentioned that they wouldn’t care too much as long as they aren’t near them.
One gave a very meaningful answer where they understood Jamie’s story more since they heard about Jaimie. They mentioned how they know that social media and his friends pressured him to do certain things so they didn’t think it was 100% his fault. They understood that he was being bullied and felt harsh judgement for who he was. This student was willing to find mercy and pity for him.
Another student was totally against this. If someone is accused and has good evidence, or actually murdered a classmate, they would not forgive them. This girl mentioned how she would not be able to look at them the same way and ever be able to forgive them.
Many agreed that providing some kind of rehabilitation or therapy is highly important. This is a child and that needs to be accounted for. This child has been in a bad environment and we need to change that. No, he shouldn’t be released but he should at least have some way to become better emotionally.
Looking at these responses, many of the students can see themselves not nearing a classmate with that sort of reputation. Some may feel sympathy, but that truly depends on their situation. Regardless, this nuanced scenario has truly led students to think even deeper on important scenarios that might be happening right now. Students get to reflect and learn about these situations while also seeing both sides of the same coin. These responses allow for students and those at home watching, to be able to see new perspectives and to truly encompass all that is happening. The impact of the show was so influential that it granted Jamie an Emmy, proving how powerful his story and performance connected with audiences everywhere.
