Location: FPC Berkeley
Faith & Film is experimenting with branching into multi-episode tv dramas by planning a discussion evening about the Netflix series, ADOLESCENCE. The series consists of 4 one-hour episodes, which is too much for us to show in an evening, so we are asking people to watch the series in advance at home. This is similar to how many people do book groups.
Adolescence may be the most debated and celebrated tv series of 2025. The Guardian called it “the closest thing to tv perfection in decades. … There have been a few contenders for the crown over the years, but none has come as close as Jack Thorne’s and Stephen Graham’s astonishing four-part series ADOLESCENCE, whose technical accomplishments – each episode is done in a single take – are matched by an array of award-worthy performances and a script that manages to be intensely naturalistic and hugely evocative at the same time. ADOLESCENCE is a deeply moving, deeply harrowing experience.”
ADOLESCENCE begins with the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) for the murder of his classmate Katie. The series then follows Jamie through the process of his arrest, his family's reaction (particularly that of his father, played by co-creator/co-writer Stephen Graham), the police's investigation of the murder, and, eventually, the impact the crime has on all involved.
The series created a fierce debate when it premiered in England in its portrayal of the toxic effects of online culture, incel forums, toxic masculinity, the growth of the manosphere, and adolescents adrift. The show combines extraordinary storytelling, heartbreaking performances and jaw-dropping technical prowess. There is much to chew on here.
For people who don’t have access to a Netflix account, please reach out -- info@newcollegeberkeley.org. We may arrange home screenings so people can see this important drama.
ADOLESCENCE Trailer:
https://youtu.be/Wk5OxqtpBR4?si=s_0mH9ucx-nTSdF1
ADOLESCENCE on Netflix:
https://www.netflix.com/search?q=adolescence&jbv=81756069
Content Warning Information
"ADOLESCENCE is a powerful British drama about a 13-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murdering a girl in his school. The series examines the crime's impact on the accused boy, his family, the police, the school community, and others through four one-shot episodes that immerse viewers in the unfolding story. The murder itself is only shown briefly via distant CCTV footage, though the emotional aftermath is explored in depth. Jamie (Owen Cooper), the accused teen, demonstrates a lot of concerning behavior, including anger issues and unhealthy attitudes toward women. There's strong language throughout. The series tackles difficult, complex themes, including teen sexuality, with references to explicit photos being shared without consent. Social media, particularly Instagram, plays a significant role in the plot, which hinges on cyberbullying and online harassment. Violence is mostly discussed rather than shown, though there are scenes with physical threats, shouting, and tension. While the content is mature, the series raises important questions for both teens and parents about the dangers of toxic masculinity.” - From Common Sense Media
Free Admission. Co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley and New College Berkeley.
About the Faith & Film series:
In this series we will examine the potent and relevant medium of film in exploring themes of love, faith, conscience, evil, death, reception, grace, morality, identity, and our yearning for the sacred. Each month we will view a different film––each unique, compelling, and demanding––reflecting our current times. Each film is curated by those who love this artistic medium and will host a conversation following our viewing. Co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley and New College Berkeley.
Event details:
FPCB is located at 2407 Dana Street, Berkeley, and the event will start promptly at 7PM in Geneva Hall, Room G202. There is is free parking in the FPCB underground parking lot on Channing Way. Sign in with the parking space number at the kiosk in the first floor reception area of the church. From the garage, take the elevator up to the first floor for reception and then continue to the 2nd floor for the film gathering.
LOCATION
First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, 94704