A local solicitor has been interviewed on film over the issues that have arisen following Netflix sweeping the boards at The Emmys for the TV series "Adolescence".
Ian Henery, who is Principal Solicitor at national criminal defence firm Haley`s Solicitors, was interviewed by Gap In The Minds Films on the issues arising from the Netflix series which swept the boards at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14 in Los Angeles.
"Adolescence" was one of the biggest winners of the year, taking home eight Emmy Awards including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Co-creator and star Stephen Graham, now a three-time Emmy winner for acting,writing,and producing the series, spoke to the surprising sensation of his heartbreaking and urgent project: “We never expected our little program to have such a big impact. We’re really grateful that it did.”
Owen Cooper, who had never acted professionally before starring in "Adolescence", also had his winning moment as he accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. “When I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, nevermind here,” he said as he accepted the award. “I think tonight proves that if you listen, and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can achieve anything in life.” The 15-year-old star became the youngest male winner ever at the Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance in the limited series.
"Audiences were instantly drawn in to the show's bracing depiction of a teenage boy who is accused of stabbing a female classmate" said solicitor Ian Henery. "But the series was far more than another procedural crime drama. Its exploration of the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers captured the zeitgeist, tapping into the fears of parents around the world."
For several weeks, the series dominated the news agenda, and eventually went on to become Netflix's second most watched English-language series ever. "Adolescence's" victory this year continues Netflix's winning streak, after another of their other watercooler hits, Baby Reindeer, took home several prizes in 2024.
"The drama's breakout star was Owen Cooper", explained solicitor Ian Henery "a Warrington-born actor who was only 14 when the series was filmed. And everyone is talking about a young person`s rights and whether the Netflix TV series is accurate. Is this what really goes on in police stations? And what does a Duty Solicitior actually do?"
Cooper played the central character, Jamie Miller, a schoolboy who is abruptly woken up by the police storming his house in the show's first episode.
They find him in his bedroom and place him under arrest. "You're making a big mistake," insists the boy's dad, played by Stephen Graham, who also co-created the series with writer Jack Thorne.
But as the episode unfolds, it's clear there is no mistake. Damning CCTV evidence ultimately proves Jamie's guilt, and "Adolescence" begins to examine its key questions: what led to this murder, and what motive could a teenager possibly have had.
"I had a lot of issues with "Adolescence" and spent some time shouting at Netflix on my TV screen" said solicitor Ian Henery "but if you want to know more you will have to wait!"
