Lately, everyone has been talking about the buzzworthy mini-series Adolescence, with the breakout star of the film, the young Owen Cooper, leading the conversation. It's safe to say that the performance of this debutante has left everyone stunned — though, to simply say that would be an understatement. Even if some have raised questions or concerns about the script or certain thriller tropes, no one seems to have any complaints about the actors, especially Cooper. People are already predicting a bright future for him, and some even envision him clutching an Oscar statuette in the near future.
But let's start from the beginning — in this gripping crime thriller, he plays 13-year-old Jamie Miller, whose life takes a dramatic turn after being accused of murdering a classmate. The series focuses on the family's and society's reaction to the event, as well as the complexities of the investigation. At first glance, the plot may seem familiar: a troubled teenager, who, due to bullying and a lack of understanding from his parents, becomes isolated and ultimately vents all his anger on the girl who bullied him — resulting in her death from multiple stab wounds.
However, the series goes much deeper, exploring answers where, at first, there only seem to be facts. It delves into the relationship between parents, the structure and dynamic of the school, and the language of symbols that only teenagers understand — symbols that are so foreign to parents and the previous generation. It shows just how far apart these two generations have become, with youth retreating into a bubble and closing off with an invisible curtain.
Cooper’s performance plays a central role in this. With such skill and subtlety, he can shift his expression, tone of voice, and emotions in mere moments, capturing the viewer in a way that leaves you torn — at once feeling both hate and pity for that poor boy stuck in his own personal hell.
It’s quite surprising for many to learn that this is Owen Cooper’s very first role. He pursued acting training at The Drama Mob, a theatre group in Manchester co-founded by actress Tina O'Brien. Initially, he approached acting as more of a hobby, attending classes once a week. In one of his recent interviews, he shared some valuable insights into his acting journey.
Reflecting on his debut role, Cooper said, "I was just trying to be natural, trying to respond to questions and just be myself."
And as it was expected, his remarkable performance couldn’t be left unnoticed by directors. After his success in Adolescence the young actor swiftly received an offer to portray Hindley Earnshaw in the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. This role, set to be released on February 13, 2026, showcased his ability to embody complex and multifaceted characters.
