‘Adolescence’ Episode 3: Erin Doherty Breaks Down Her ‘Genuinely Scary’ Confrontation With 14-Year-Old Owen Cooper

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for “Adolescence,” now streaming on Netflix.

In the third installment of Netflix’s four-episode limited series titled “Adolescence,” the focus shifts to two characters: Jamie (portrayed by Owen Cooper) and Briony (played by Erin Doherty). Jamie stands accused of a crime, while Briony, a clinical psychologist, is assigned to conduct an evaluation ahead of the trial.

Nevertheless, Jamie is not your typical individual – he’s a 13-year-old schoolboy. And “Adolescence” is not just any ordinary series. Each episode was filmed in one continuous shot by director Philip Barantini. For an entire episode, viewers observe the pair engaging back and forth as she attempts to unravel the mystery. Lighthearted conversation soon takes a dramatic turn as Jamie’s youthful innocence transforms into anger.

Jamie is not your average person – he’s a 13-year-old boy. The series “Adolescence” is unique, with each episode being shot in one long take by director Philip Barantini. Throughout the entire episode, viewers watch as two characters converse, trying to figure out what has happened. Friendly conversation turns serious when Jamie’s innocent demeanor changes to anger.

The episode required 11 takes before Barantini got what he needed.

In the series, Cooper, who’s making his acting debut, left Doherty impressed. She remarked, “To see the difference between him initially and the refined version we saw in the 11th take, pushing boundaries and challenging himself – I couldn’t be more proud.” This conversation took place over Zoom while Doherty was in London, preparing for her stage performance of “Unicorn.” She confessed that one particular instance when Cooper delivered his role so authentically, it gave her a genuinely frightening feeling.

Read the conversation below.

What is it like to see this show take off the way it has, and your episode in particular?

This experience exceeds all your expectations, and there’s no better way to describe it. In our line of work, nothing is guaranteed, and success can be elusive. Yet, when something clicks, you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. However, amidst the joy, it’s crucial to remain grounded and appreciate the present moment. There’s no magical recipe for this. The only explanation I can offer is that this tale and its theme resonate deeply. It rekindles my belief in people and their capacity for compassion. For me, that’s the profound impact of this project. People are eager to listen to it, to engage in this discussion, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

You were still working on the drama series ‘A Thousand Blows’ with Stephen when he first told you about this project. What did he say about it?

That day on set, it was just Stephen and myself. We were working through our scenes when I inquired about his plans post-wrap. He excitedly shared a concept he’d been mulling over, mentioning that Jack Thorne and Phil Barantini were involved, and it would be a single, uninterrupted shot production. I was impressed by this as I had recently watched “Boiling Point” and thought it sounded phenomenal. However, there was no indication at the time that I’d be part of the project. He simply shared his enthusiasm for making this idea a reality. A couple of months later, I received a voice message from him because he knew I wouldn’t answer calls. He urged me to listen to the message, and that set things in motion.

You’re currently on stage in ‘Unicorn.’ In theater, if you make a mistake you carry on. How does that compare to the experience of shooting ‘Adolescence’?

Performing on screen was incredibly challenging, even with my background in theater. The stark contrast of what’s expected from an actor on stage versus a screen is palpable. It’s the unnerving awareness that every movement, every expression will be scrutinized by the audience. There’s no place to hide, and that’s daunting. However, once I embraced this challenge and entered the rehearsal room with my co-star Owen, my anxiety primarily stemmed from there. Before meeting him, I was wondering how we would manage, given our solitary setup in the room. But upon meeting him, I felt reassured as he exuded a seasoned professionalism. It seemed as if he had been acting for 50 years. He arrived prepared, knowing his lines, and this experience turned out to be one of the most rewarding acting opportunities I could have hoped for.

I spoke with cinematographer Matthew Lewis and he said the show was a two-week rehearsal process. What did you learn about Owen and yourself in this process?

For the past two weeks, everything revolved around trusting my gut feelings. What I aim to hold onto and endeavor to maintain is this need to momentarily disregard rational thinking. It’s crucial to act from your heart and intuition. That was the essence of our rehearsal period. We were all trying to synchronize, regardless if it’s the boom operator, myself, Owen, or Matt, the exceptional cinematographer. During those two weeks, we worked together seamlessly. Essentially, that time was about unifying us and fostering a strong team dynamic.

I read that you spoke to your therapist before taking on this character. What was important for you to take away from those conversations with her?

From the very start, I’ve been captivated by therapy – even before I ever sat in that chair to delve into the process. Now, having experienced it myself, there’s a certain longing for those sessions where I could pour out my thoughts. There’s an undeniable beauty in finding solace and expression in those moments.

In a deeply committed manner, I aimed to advocate for those individuals in the most compassionate and authentic way possible. It’s a common stereotype that therapists are reserved and armored, but they can also be profoundly transformative. I wanted to embody this duality. Without a shadow of a doubt, I reached out to my former therapist as she was exceptionally gifted and played an instrumental role in my personal transformation. My goal is to infuse the work with that level of heartfelt understanding, while also being mindful of one’s current mental state at all times. frankly, I can’t fathom how they manage to help even a single client, let alone numerous clients within a 24-hour period.

After wrapping up those intense filming days, I found myself utterly drained – both emotionally and physically. It’s truly amazing how some people can carry on. For me, my sessions with the therapist were more than just talking; they were about getting into the right headspace, comprehending the emotional odyssey of a single session, and learning to be my own filter. This meant checking myself regularly, questioning if any transference or countertransference was happening. It’s an ongoing process of refreshing, and I just wanted to gain insights from her about this. Those sessions were incredibly formative for me.

When Briony first walks into the room, where is her headspace at that point?

I urged myself to walk into that room carrying a tiny bit of hope. Deep down, I wanted her to support him so much that she might make him say something to fix everything. I truly wanted you to sense our connection. The moment I encountered Owen, there was no choice but to adore him; he’s such a kind-hearted individual. He portrayed his character exceptionally well because you genuinely cared for him. As Briony, that emotional bond is crucial to the storyline; you can’t help but hope he succeeds. When she enters the room, she’s hoping for the best from him, and that’s what you witness: the moment it all falls apart.

What did you and Phil talk about in terms of those power dynamics?

During those two weeks, our focus was on delving deeper into the particular instances you wanted highlighted. This could involve subtle cues such as eye movements or fleeting expressions across the face. It was invigorating because Phil placed his trust in us to explore freely. He provided a secure environment for experimentation. Beyond that, he aimed for this process to feel natural and authentic. There’s something truly captivating about that approach. He places faith and trust in his actors to let them bring their characters to life organically. In other words, he allows us to live and breathe the roles, and whatever spontaneous moments arise, he’ll capture them. For instance, remember the time Owen yawned? That was unexpected, but it showcased the level of improvisation we achieved where the acting felt incredibly raw.

How did things evolve over the 11 takes. You just mentioned the yawn, but is there anything else?

After spending around two weeks on this project, working closely with Jack to tailor the language for our specific needs, and immersing ourselves so deeply in the characters, we finally reached a point during shooting where it felt natural and instinctive. It was as if the characters were growing organically, enriched by each take, deepening the complexity and depth of their relationship.

What were you feeling as he was being taken out of the room at the end?

For me, filming that part of the episode was particularly effortless since I’m quite expressive and wear my emotions openly. Maintaining composure and moving past the hour was a challenge. However, as soon as Owen departed, it felt like a huge relief – it was like finally getting to take a deep breath.

Briony didn’t realize the true nature of the situation until he departed, as she had maintained a professional demeanor throughout. She knew her purpose and the delicate balance she needed to maintain. Only after he left did the reality of the situation strike her squarely, allowing her to fully comprehend what had transpired. It was quite unsettling, and it felt like an emotional outpouring, much like vomiting.

What was it like watching your scene partner go from childlike innocence to anger?

It was truly terrifying, yet incredibly fulfilling. Every actor longs to reach a state where they lose themselves and fully immerse themselves in an alternate reality they’ve constructed. It might seem strange, but during those moments, you genuinely believe it. When your co-actor is committed to their role as much as you are, you both create this other world. We were fortunate enough to achieve that together. I’m incredibly proud of Owen because I got to witness his growth as an actor, pushing himself to truly excel. Back then, he was just a young actor who was hesitant to embrace the darker aspects of his character, especially with someone new. So, we had to put in effort to establish a safe environment for him, reassuring him that he would be alright. It’s amazing to reflect on that timid youth compared to the one who emerged during the 11th take, as we guided him and pushed him beyond his comfort zone. I couldn’t be more proud of his transformation.

At the end of the take, how do you let go of Briony and this intense moment?

After discussing the process of getting into a character for a role, there’s rarely conversation about how to get out of it. This isn’t something that is typically taught. It’s an unusual aspect, as they usually help you maintain the character as needed. However, every night I’d finish performing, I would be completely drained. It wasn’t just the physical and emotional exhaustion from focusing intensely on the role, but also the awareness of being a crucial part of such an impactful story. This realization helped me detach – I let my pride in contributing to something significant guide me, and Briony gradually faded away. As the lines disappeared from my memory, she did too. I believe that characters don’t truly leave you until you’ve moved on to another project and have to disengage.

Are people coming up to you at the ‘Unicorn’ stage door talking about the show?

In casual conversation, folks from the work team, as well as the backstage crew, approach me frequently exclaiming, “Wow!” I’m conversing with people, and they keep saying, “I’ve just seen episode two.” It’s an unusual topic to discuss while my mind is preoccupied with other matters, but it’s a delightful experience to talk with fellow creative minds about such topics. Moreover, it’s heartening to see it resonating and making ripples through society.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

2025-03-22 00:48