** WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!**
On a grey morning in Yorkshire, a seemingly average 13-year-old boy lies peacefully in his bed, completely unaware that his life is about to change.
Moments later, the front door splinters open under the weight of a police raid. By sunrise, the young teen is dragged into a police car, handcuffed, his name already entering the system. Thus begins Adolescence, the 4-episode limited Netflix TV series. Although only a few episodes in length, the show has an important and relevant impact on teenagers and adults alike.
In Adolescence, teen actor Owen Cooper delivers a striking performance as Jamie Miller, a troubled teen accused of murdering one of his peers, which ultimately leads to his arrest. Cooper’s portrayal is so realistic that many viewers—including ourselves—initially believed the show was a documentary. His passionate performance won him the Emmy for best supporting actor as well as the honor of being the youngest actor ever to win this award. The series is exceptionally unique, leading to its immense popularity. Adolescence is shot in one continuous take, which “strongly shapes the emotional and psychological viewing point,” according to psychology student Nick van der Linden in Contemporary Psychology. “The production style is a metaphor for adolescence itself, feeling like a prisoner in your own body and mind.”
After watching the series, it is safe to say that Miller is undoubtedly problematic and in need of serious help. He kills one of his peers in a fit of rage, refuses to admit he committed the crime, and manipulates those around him so skillfully that both the audience and the many characters believe he has been wrongfully accused—even feeling sympathy for him. His deceit keeps everyone convinced of his innocence until the jaw-dropping finale, when the truth is revealed: Miller admits that he was guilty. Many would say that he, therefore, is the quintessential psychopath.
But what exactly was going through his mind as he committed this chilling crime?
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a psychopath as “a person having an egocentric and antisocial personality marked by a lack of remorse for one’s actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies.”
Psychologists have noted that Miller’s behavior reflects a broader societal issue. Mental health specialist Amrita Mahal explains, “For boys in particular, societal norms around masculinity often discourage vulnerability, leading to emotional suppression rather than open communication.”
Throughout the series, Miller exhibits signs of emotional repression and a lack of empathy, which are often associated with callous-unemotional (CU) traits, a set of personality characteristics that include a limited ability to feel guilt or remorse, shallow or deficient emotional responses, and a reduced concern for the feelings of others. In adolescents, these traits are considered a risk factor for early antisocial behavior, such as aggression, rule-breaking, or manipulative behavior.
Adolescence visually and narratively conveys Miller’s CU traits in multiple ways. For instance, he exhibits unusually calm and measured speech during confrontations with his state-assigned psychologist, Briony Ariston. Within Ariston’s sessions lie cleverly implanted psychological tests that further showcase the psychology behind the troubled teen. These tests morph a seemingly shallow moment — such as sharing a pickle and cheese sandwich — into a powerful exploration of Miller’s psyche. Aware of his dislike of pickles, Ariston presents him with a sandwich, openly informing him of its contents. To her surprise, Miller chooses to eat the meal. His reaction symbolizes far more than personal taste. Psychologist Dannielle Haig interprets the actions of Ariston as a deliberate attempt to observe Miller’s response. She explains, “Reactions provide insight into his personality. If he simply tolerates it without complaint, it may suggest a history of feeling powerless and being accustomed to having things done to him rather than for him.” Therefore, Miller’s compliance in this moment may reflect an instinctive pattern shaped by his past—a life where adults made decisions on his behalf, leaving him without a sense of control.
Several mental health experts have analyzed such interactions, including former probation officer Janine Mitchell. She observed that Miller’s repeated comments about his appearance, such as calling himself “ugly,” are indicative of a deeper psychological issue. A person with low confidence levels occasionally tends to take out their anger in a physical and violent manner. Mitchell references her personal experiences: “A lot of these guys that I used to work with, you’ll find that behind this kind of aggression, there’s actually this real level of low self-esteem … where violence will stem from.”
Although Miller is undoubtedly self-centered and lacks sympathy for those around him, it might be incorrect to refer to him as a psychopath. Rather, Miller struggles with both internal and external pressures, leading to his erratic behavior.
All in all, Adolescence is an extremely compelling and moving show. Although Miller’s actions are severe, a deeper observation proves he is not too different from an average teenager: struggling with self control, difficult decisions, and a pursuit for personal identity.
