Ashley Walters remarked that the production of Adolescence, a Netflix miniseries focusing on a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate, was extremely intense.
He initially believed he might leave acting behind when he took on this role, but then found himself feeling drained. However, as he delved into directing, he felt a growing desire to explore it further while reducing his acting workload gradually. Eventually, he considered phasing out acting altogether. But then, Stephen Graham, who co-wrote the series and also stars in it, persuaded him to take on this job instead.
Initially, I arrived without fully grasping the level of intensity, but it turned out to be incredibly demanding. The task at hand was formidable. Most nights, I found myself tears into my script in the apartment, terrified I’d forget the content. However, looking back now, I’ve grown from the experience. There’s a renewed passion for my craft and what I do.
“So it was intense, but really challenging and beautiful at the end of it for me.
In the role that made him famous for Top Boy, Walters is now portraying the main detective in a murder case. However, it’s important to note that the story isn’t just about a crime being committed; the script of Adolescence delves into understanding why young males engage in violent acts against women and girls.
He mentioned that what makes this series exceptional is not primarily the focus on the crime itself, but rather the exploration of the characters’ psychological motivations behind their actions.
As a film critic, I find myself pondering over an often overlooked aspect of the narratives we see on screen: the reasons behind the characters’ predicaments. Instead, we frequently delve into discussions about hoodies, violent altercations, and extended prison sentences. However, it seems that the root causes – the factors driving individuals to such precarious situations – are rarely explored in depth. This is an aspect I believe deserves more attention.
Moreover, it seems ideal for us considering we have Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who hails from a nurturing home environment. His father and mother are present, providing support. They both hold employment, ensuring financial stability without undue hardship.
The show seems to suggest that the factors typically linked to such criminal acts are absent within its plot, implying that anyone, regardless of their background or social status, could potentially commit such a crime. It underscores the need for us to engage in discussions about these issues.

In a subsequent statement, actress Erin Doherty (known for The Crown, A Thousand Blows, Chloe) who portrays the clinical psychologist dealing with Jamie’s case, added that the characters of Graham and Thorne didn’t create Adolescence to address any queries.
She noted, “What we’re essentially doing is encouraging dialogue and hopefully fostering it.” In my opinion, the heart of this matter lies in the discussions that weren’t previously taking place. It’s about the ‘what ifs’, such as what if I had this conversation, or given this advice, or simply shared a space with others. Sometimes, all one may require is the company of others.
What makes this show unique is its honest approach. Instead of trying to find a solution for an issue they don’t understand, they simply engage in conversation about it. In essence, the show says, ‘There seems to be a problem here, let’s discuss it.’ I believe that by openly addressing the matter, they might just be taking the right steps towards resolution.
Working on the series likely caused Walters to reflect more profoundly upon his role as a father to his four sons.
He’s been conscious that such situations often arise, and he’s also recognized the challenge young men face in discussing their experiences before they escalate to this point, he explained.
I’ve consistently ensured we have open conversations about their feelings and experiences, aiming to remain their role model for as long as I can, so they feel comfortable sharing with me when needed. Needless to say, it hasn’t always gone according to plan, but I’ve always been mindful of that.
Additionally, this program is excellent as it addresses an issue I believe is significant – the misused term “toxic masculinity”. It’s crucial that influential figures take a stand and offer guidance to young men during such times.
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2025-03-13 13:35