Owen Cooper shines as breakthrough star in Netflix hit

In the United Kingdom, a new four-part Netflix drama, focusing on the theme of knife crime, premiered recently. Each episode was uniquely filmed in a single continuous shot, showcasing a blend of spontaneous live performance energy akin to theater with a naturalistic style typical of television. Newcomer Owen Cooper takes center stage in the role of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy accused of a brutal crime, and his performance has garnered remarkable acclaim, being termed 'incredible' and 'award-worthy' by social media audiences. The show's production team was intentional in creating opportunities for inexperienced actors from regions in northern England, highlighting the desire to discover authentic talent. This conscious approach led to the selection of Cooper, who had limited experience prior to landing his significant role. Graham, co-writer and star of the series, has expressed that Cooper’s success is the most notable achievement of the project. Remarkably, Cooper is already set to take on another prominent role in the upcoming adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights', alongside film star Margot Robbie. The show's impact has resonated widely, with its rapid rise to the number one position on the streaming platform soon after its release, signaling its potential to spark critical discussions around the themes it tackles. Throughout the filming process, meticulous planning was essential for executing the one-take style effectively, bringing actors and crew together in a choreographic manner to ensure precise timing and interaction. Graham has also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the influences affecting today’s youth through the narrative, which pivots focus from victims to the accused, aiming to invoke questions around accountability for youth violence. This innovative storytelling approach is bound to provoke reflections and dialogue among viewers regarding societal issues associated with adolescent behavior.