Among the TV lineup for 2025, few series stir as much discussion or interest as the Netflix original, “Adolescence”. This gripping series, which tells the story of a 13-year-old boy under suspicion for murdering a classmate, has been making waves throughout the year. The buzz surrounding it largely stems from its thought-provoking child-related themes and the single-shot style that delivers an immersive, sometimes disorienting experience. Notably, the show’s director recently shared insights about production, likening it to Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day”.
Following the thrilling news of my Primetime Emmy Award nomination for our series, ‘Adolescence’, I had the pleasure of chatting with Philip Barantini. Our conversation ranged from the show’s influence on us as parents of young kids to the unique challenges of filming each episode in a single take.
When I inquired about handling mistakes during takes, Barantini humorously compared it to the predicament Bill Murray found himself in during ‘Groundhog Day’. It was an enlightening exchange that underscored the intricate process behind bringing our story to life.
As a dedicated cinephile, I often find myself rewinding scenes after the initial take, jotting down suggestions for improvements. Then, we move on to the next take. You don’t have to worry about matching previous performances exactly, as it’s not like ‘Groundhog Day’, where events repeat themselves. Instead, you’re stepping back in time, starting anew each time. It’s almost as if each take is a separate moment unfolding on its own.
What do a hypothetical Netflix series set in 2025 about a gruesome murder and the iconic ’90s movie “Groundhog Day” featuring Bill Murray as a weatherman stuck in a time loop have in common? While their stories are quite different, they share the theme of time manipulation. However, compared to the grim subject matter of the fictional show “Adolescence“, Harold Ramis’ 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day” is significantly lighter in tone and content.
Initially, my perspective differed, but it shifted significantly after Philip Barantini recounted his experience working with child actor Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller. He emphasized the third and exceptional episode, and it was then that the idea of “restarting and adopting a new strategy” became crystal clear.
Owen was experiencing some discomfort in his throat towards the end of the day, and he had a persistent cough. He kept asking me, “Is my cough alright?” I suggested, “If you’d prefer, we could skip the last take since we already have one on record that I find satisfactory.” However, he was insistent on continuing. Given his condition, I jokingly referred to it as a “Groundhog Day” situation. In essence, today Jamie has a cough, but it’s not a cause for concern.
Barantini, who initially gained fame as an actor on series such as “Dream Team” and later became part of the cast of “Band of Brothers,” was astonished during the last take when the budding star delivered a surprise, spontaneous performance. At this juncture, Cooper unexpectedly improvised by adding to his character that he had a throat ailment. Had the novice actor not insisted on another take and the director opted for safety instead, that remarkable scene might never have come to pass.
Although a second season of Jamie’s story in Adolescence may never happen, you still have the chance to catch up on its first season by subscribing to Netflix before the Primetime Emmy Awards air on Sunday, September 14.
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2025-08-20 04:09