Netflix viewers have spotted a haunting hidden detail in the hit crime drama Adolescence that many may have missed.
The four-part series, which premiered just a week ago, follows Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham), a devoted father whose world is shattered when his 13-year-old son Jamie is arrested for stabbing his female classmate, Katie, to death.
The gritty police drama is shot in four single continuous takes and explores themes of knife crime against women, misogyny, and the dangerous influence of the online manosphere.
In a new interview with Tudum, director Philip Barantini has revealed an emotional hidden layer in the show’s final episodes, one that connects directly to Katie’s lingering presence in the story.
One particularly chilling moment comes at the end of episode two when Eddie visits the car park where his son killed the schoolgirl and lays down flowers in a moment of sorrow.
In the background, a heart-wrenching song plays, a detail that many may not have noticed at first.
The lead singer of that song is Emilia Holliday - the actress who plays Katie.
Holliday’s voice lingers once more in the final episode, which jumps 13 months ahead to Jamie awaiting trial in prison, while his family struggles to move on under the weight of public backlash.
As his father enters Jamie’s old bedroom and breaks down in tears, a slow rendition of Aurora’s 'Through the Eyes of a Child' plays in the background - sung over by Holliday herself.
Director Barantini shared how much the song resonated with him when Jack Thorne first sent him the script. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” he told Tudum. “It’s just absolutely incredible," adding: "The voice in the score is Katie’s voice.
"Katie is a part of the whole series," he continued. "Her presence is always there.”
Singer Aurora took to Instagram to reflect on her song being used in the TV series, writing: “It’s a strange and wonderful thing to see people connecting with this song. The world around me has changed so much since I wrote it. And now the words mean a lot more to me.
“The deep need for the world to stop neglecting the inner child, and confusing innocence with weakness. I hope the song gives people something good," she said. "It was always written in the hope that it would find people and treat them kindly. Though it’s strange to me, that it’s out there living its own life - I find it very beautiful."
She ended her message by acknowledging the Netflix show: “Adolescence featuring Through The Eyes Of A Child is out on @netflix now.”
Viewers have also taken to social media to praise the powerful use of music in Adolescence, with many calling it a perfect tribute to Katie’s character.
“Haunting and moving performance. Can’t wait to hear more!” one fan wrote. Another added: “This moment adds even more emotional depth to the story. Katie Leonard’s performance makes the scene truly haunting and unforgettable.”
You can watch Adolescence on Netflix now.