Adult Material

Adult Material, a provocative and hard-hitting drama from Channel 4 that aired in 2020, delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of the adult film industry. The series explores the industry's impact on society, personal relationships, and the individuals involved in it. This UK production delivers a poignant deconstruction of an industry that's largely unexplored in mainstream television, made gripping by its complex characters, engaging storyline, and an unflinching look at the less glamorous side of adult entertainment.

At the heart of Adult Material is Jolene Dollar – a pseudonym for Hayley Burrows - brilliantly portrayed by actress Hayley Squires. Jolene is a woman in her thirties, hardworking and resourceful, who fell into the adult film industry as a teen. She represents a rare breed of character in television - an experienced and respected professional who navigates her industry with tenacity and aplomb, but also a loving mother striving to juggle her work life, public image, and family commitments. Jolene’s life becomes the window through which viewers gain a gruesomely honest peek into the realities of the adult entertainment business.

The series' plot is centered on Jolene's encounters with various industry figures, from ambitious newcomers to sleazy producers, vocal critics, and intrusive journalists. As the primary breadwinner supporting her family, Jolene must deal with the increasing tensions that arise when her personal life collides with her professional one. The narrative is complex, drawing attention to the gray areas that exist within the industry – exploitation, consent and the emotional toll it takes on someone who lives dual lives.

Squires’s performance is riveting, bringing a sense of brutal reality to the role. Jolene is multi-dimensional, and Squires breathes life into every facet of her character. She paints a portrait of a woman hardened by her experiences, yet simultaneously vulnerable - a character who is both part of and a victim of the world she inhabits.

Though Adult Material is grounded in the adult film industry, it extends its narrative to explore larger societal themes. The series grapples with issues of power dynamics, personal autonomy, and the influence of pornography on society's views on sex, oxymoronically challenging the industry it humanizes.

Beyond Jolene, the series also delves into the experiences of those on the periphery of her life: her children, who are beginning to understand the nature of her occupation, and other characters in Jolene's life who are directly or indirectly affected by explicit content, including her peers in the industry, like the ambitious newcomer Amy, her domestic partner, and others who intersect with the world of adult content. This approach offers a diverse scope of perspectives and a multitude of narrative layers to explore.

Lucy Kirkwood, the creator of Adult Material, more known for her work in playwriting than in television, has provided a thought-provoking, layered and brutally honest narrative. The pacing of the series is excellent, balancing plot development with character explorations smoothly. Bolstered by a skilled cast, the series combines gripping storytelling with an impactful commentary on popular culture.

The show's technical elements also deserve credit. Stylistic sound design and cinematography capture the stark contrast in Jolene's life – the racy and colourful world of her profession and the quiet, regulated rhythm of middle-class family life.

Adult Material certainly isn't for everyone - its explicit content, frank discussions, and risqué thematic elements demand mature viewership - but for those interested in an insightful, compassionate exploration of the adult film industry and the women who navigate it, the series offers a unique, riveting watch. Although it can be uncomfortable and confronting at times, it provides a necessary critique of and reflection on an industry that undeniably impacts our society at large.

In conclusion, Adult Material is a groundbreaking series that masterfully examines the adult film industry. The show goes beyond surface-level intrigue to take a deep, unflinching look at the complexities, contradictions, and consequences of this controversial industry. With a compelling lead character in Jolene and a thoughtful narrative, the series offers an insightful look into a world that's largely unseen or misunderstood by mainstream society, making it an undeniably engaging and potentially thought-provoking viewing experience.