BAFTA Nomination for Adolescence: If you have not already watched Netflix binge their Adolescence, get yourself a blanket and sit ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. The thrilling psychological thriller, about a schoolboy suspected of murder, is taking the streaming scene by storm.
But it’s not just an engrossing plotline—Owen Cooper’s breakout 13-year-old performance as Jamie Miller is doing all the hard work and getting BAFTA nod buzz.
Let’s discuss the buzz. Cooper’s fans are totally in awe of his performance as Jamie, a troubled youth involved in a case of violent crime. And when we use the word “in awe,” we are being serious.
On social media, viewers of Netflix are in love with the new actor, saying things like, “A star is born in the shape of Owen Cooper. Wow. Great performance. He should win a TV BAFTA for Best Newcomer!”
From Netflix to BAFTA Nomination?
As soon as Adolescence hit Netflix, it became a cultural phenomenon. The drama follows Jamie’s arrest and the subsequent investigation into the stabbing of a classmate. Shot in continuous single takes, the production style is as bold as its storyline.
What makes it even more thrilling is the sheer rawness of the acting—especially by Cooper, who plays Jamie with a striking level of intensity that leaves viewers glued to the screen.
While the show has earned rave reviews from both critics and audiences alike (yes, it’s got a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), it’s Owen Cooper’s portrayal of Jamie that has many calling for him to be nominated for a BAFTA.
The kid’s range is insane. He can be confused, terrified, angry, and even indifferent—sometimes all in the same scene. The fact that he’s only 13 makes it all the more impressive.
“If you work with young people, this is the one thing you need to watch this year,” one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Take a bow, Owen Cooper. Your acting was spot on.”
The Power of One Take: A Game-Changer for Television
Adolescence is genuinely distinctive not only because of the acting but also because of the manner it is recorded. Each episode has a theatrical sense to it because it is shot in single takes that are almost an hour long.
The tension and intensity are increased by this technique, which gives you the impression that you are in Jamie’s room and can experience all of his anxiety, perplexity, and remorse.
Viewers are thrust into Jamie’s arrest and the tense investigation that follows in within the first two episodes. The fact that these tense scenes are being filmed in real time, with no opportunity for editing or retakes, only heightens the tension. It seems like the show’s creators are trying to get you to watch it nonstop, and they succeed.
Why Owen Cooper’s Performance is the Heart of the Show
Although the whole cast is fabulous, it’s impossible to deny that Owen Cooper is the pulsating heart of Adolescence. The actor’s performance as Jamie is absolutely genius.
His subtle performance displays a young individual on the verge of being engulfed by the system, attempting to understand his own feelings in a cruel world.
It’s a performance that stands out, especially when you compare it to the likes of other rising stars in the industry. A fan on X put it best when they said, “The boy who plays Jamie… he does creepy little f**er extremely well. What a star. Excellent find. He’s in for a brilliant career if he sticks at it.”*
Indeed, Cooper’s journey from the world of child acting to potentially major award shows could be just around the corner. After all, he’s already making waves in the world of British drama.
The Drama That Hits Close to Home
Adolescence is more than just another crime drama—it’s a tale that captures some of the toughest truths of contemporary British life. The series, at its heart, explores the knife crime epidemic, something that has become all too familiar in the UK.
It’s a topic that strikes close to home for many, especially those who deal with young people in troubled communities.
Executive producer Stephen Graham, also an actor in the series playing Jamie’s dad, thought of the concept for the series after seeing first-hand the devastation of knife crime among young people in the UK.
He desired to produce a series that would bring attention to the intricacies of youth violence and the havoc it can reap on families and communities.
The show doesn’t beat around the bush—it doesn’t glamorize the violence, and it doesn’t give simple answers. It’s a stomach-churning, mind-bending drama that makes people face uncomfortable realities about the world they live in.
Why You Need to Watch Adolescence
If you’re not yet convinced to see Adolescence, here’s why you definitely should:
- The Acting: Owen Cooper gives a masterclass performance as Jamie, portraying every feeling of a 13-year-old boy caught up in a hell of his own creation.
- The Story: The crime investigation and the drama that unfolds will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
- The Cinematography: The seamless single takes make for a charged, immersive experience that you won’t find on any other show on TV.
- The Social Message: The programme provides a bleak reminder of the risks of knife crime and the damage it can do to young lives.
Still not sure? Here’s a review from one viewer: “I have never ever seen anything like Adolescence on Netflix. Stunningly acted. Each episode shot in ONE take!!! It’s insane.”
That’s right—just one take. The amount of complexity and danger inherent in this creative decision is truly impressive.
What’s Next for Owen Cooper?
So, what’s next for the star of Adolescence? Well, if the BAFTA voters are paying attention (and they should be), Cooper’s career is about to skyrocket.
In fact, if the buzz continues, we could be looking at a possible nomination for Best Newcomer at the BAFTAs. Wouldn’t that be something?
Conclusion
What do you think—should Owen Cooper be nominated for a BAFTA? Do you think Adolescence has the potential to sweep awards season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your friends who need to see this show!
And while you’re at it, why not recommend Adolescence to your Netflix queue? Trust us, you won’t want to miss this incredible piece of television history.
