Stephen Graham is no stranger to delivering raw and emotional performances, but in the final moments of Adolescence, he took things to another level by going completely off-script.
In the fourth and final episode of the gripping Netflix drama, the British actor - who not only created and wrote the series but also stars in - delivers a gut-wrenching scene that wasn't in the script.
© NetflixThe four-part series, which was filmed in one take (each episode), tells the story of Jamie Miller, a schoolboy who is accused of murdering a female classmate.
This Is England star Stephen takes on the role of Eddie Miller, the father of Jamie, who sees armed police burst into his home to arrest his son. Eddie is then chosen as Jamie's appropriate adult, accompanying him at the police interview, and learning the extent of what his son is accused of doing.
However, by the final episode and following the revelation, Stephen's character sits in his son's empty bedroom, overwhelmed with grief, he gently tucks Jamie's teddy bear into bed. Then, through tears, he whispered to the cuddly toy: "I should have done better."
Director Philip Barantini revealed to Tudum that Stephen's unscripted moment added an entirely new depth to the scene. "We rehearsed it, and it was great… but I just felt like there's something about him tucking in Jamie's teddy," he explained.
"This is the only thing that Eddie's got that he can touch – that's malleable, that Jamie's cuddled, and Jamie's been with. And then Stephen made it his own."
© NetflixThe series reunites the director and the Line of Duty actor, who previously collaborated on the BAFTA and BIFA-nominated Boiling Point - another project known for its ambitious one-take approach.
Joining the cast alongside Owen, Stephen and Erin is Top Boy star Ashley Walters, who takes on the role of Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe, the investigator leading Jamie's case.
Another unscripted moment takes place in episode three, when Jamie sits down with child psychologist Emma - played by The Crown star Erin Doherty - who is tasked with profiling him ahead of his trial.
© NetflixDuring a recent appearance on The One Show, lead teen star Owen Cooper recalled how exhaustion led to an unexpected but brilliant exchange between him and Erin.
"In episode three, it was the second take of the day - we do two takes a day," he explained. "I was tired, so a yawn came to me. Then Erin did an amazing line, she said, 'Am I boring you?' "That took me back and made me smile because it wasn't in the script. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but it was amazing."
10 most successful Netflix series
© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX1. Wednesday: Season 1 – 252,100,000 (views worldwide)
Young Wednesday Adams (Jenna Ortega) is sent to Nevermore Academy, a school for Outcasts where she develops her psychic abilities, investigates mysterious deaths in nearby towns, and tries to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her parents.
2. Stranger Things Season 4 – 140,700,000
Eight months after the Starcourt Mall showdown, trouble awaits the Hawkins Gang as they encounter villainous Vecna, who has the power to take over the world.
3. DAHMER: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – 115,600,000
Evan Peters delivers a chilling portrayal of America's most notorious serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer as the series explores the horrifying story of his life.
4. Bridgerton: Season 1 – 113,300,000
The first season of Bridgerton follows young Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) as she makes her debut in the London Regency marriage market, hoping for true love, while charming Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page) catches her eye.
5. The Queen's Gambit: Limited Series – 112,800,000
Based on the 1983 novel, The Queen's Gambit tells the extraordinary life of orphan Elizabeth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she strives to become the world's most elite chess player.
6. Bridgerton: Season 3 – 106,000,000
The third season of Bridgerton focuses on Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who enters Mayfair Society with the help of her long-time unrequited lover, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), to find someone to marry.
7. The Night Agent: Season 1 – 98,200,000
FBI agent Peter Sutherland works in the basement of the White House – manning a phone that never rings – until one night, he receives a distress call and is tasked with protecting cybersecurity expert Rose.
8. Fool Me Once: Limited Series – 98,200,000
Trying to come to terms with the murder of her husband, Maya (Michelle Keegan) installs a nanny cam to keep an eye on her daughter. But when she spots her husband in the house, whom she thought was dead, her world is turned upside down.
9. Stranger Things 3 – 94,800,000
Set in the summer of 1985, a lot is happening in Hawkins. The Mind Flayer attempts to take over the town through Starcourt Mall, teenage relationships blossom, and a secret Russian operation wants to breach the Upside Down.
10. Bridgerton: Season 2 – 93,800,000
In the second season of Bridgerton, the enemies-to-lovers romance between Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) unfolds, filled with scandal and undeniable chemistry during the marriage season.
