The end of the Netflix hit Adolescence is particularly moving. During the shooting, details were added to the background that made for the extremely emotional ending.
The new Netflix series Adolescence has been at the top of the Netflix charts for days. In addition to the dark story of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper), who is said to have murdered a classmate, the production also focuses on the impact on the boy’s family.
At the end of the four episodes, each of which was filmed in a single take without any cuts, Adolescence sparks an extremely touching conclusion. The director has revealed that the finale is so emotionally successful because of a trick.
Spoiler alert: the end of Adolescence follows!
Adolescence’s ending was made so emotional by private photos
In the last episode of the series, it’s Jamie’s father Eddie’s (Stephen Graham) birthday. In a later scene, he is sitting in the car with his wife (Christine Tremarco) and daughter (Amélie Pease) when he receives a call from his imprisoned son. He wishes him a happy birthday and then tells him that he will plead guilty at the upcoming court hearing.
After a final emotional conversation between Eddie and his wife, the father walks back to Jamie’s nursery, where he breaks down in tears. In the end, he apologizes to the boy’s teddy bear for not being a better father.
Adolescence director Philip Barantini explained to Netflix that private photos of actor Stephen Graham and his family were added to the background for this final scene. A note was also added that said, “We love you. We are so proud of you.”
When the actor walked into the room and saw the photos with the message, it led to the strong emotional breakdown that can be seen in the Netflix series. If you look closely, you can see Graham discover the pictures off-camera as he enters the room and looks to his right in the corner.
Barantini explained:
The other takes before that were very different. They were all still incredibly emotional. But this last take we used was real, unadulterated and unexpected from him.
Stream all four episodes of Adolescence on Netflix with a subscription.
