The More You Ignore Me (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The More You Ignore Me is a 2018 comedy directed by Keith English, starring Jo Brand as Sandra, Sheridan Smith and Ella Hunt. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $212,498 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 71/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Keith English
- Genre
- Comedy
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Genesius Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The More You Ignore Me About?
The premise of The More You Ignore Me without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Based on Jo Brand’s novel, this comedy drama explores the life of an eccentric family in 1980s rural England. Gina, a young mother, struggles to balance her roles while battling declining mental health. Her condition worsens with an unusual obsession, leading to hospitalization. As her daughter Alice grows, she finds it difficult to connect with her medicated mother, and a plan to reunite the family creates lasting divisions and a poignant conclusion, underscored by the music of The Smiths.
The More You Ignore Me Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- five word title
- guinea pig
- mental illness
- unconventional family
- 1980s
- rural england
- weatherman
- psychiatric hospital
- family relationships
- mother daughter relationship
- song in title
- based on novel
+1 more Show fewer
- title written by female
The More You Ignore Me Cast & Characters
Jo Brand leads the cast as Sandra, with Sheridan Smith as Gina Wilson and Ella Hunt as Alice Wilson. Directed by Keith English; 27 actors are credited in all.
- Director Keith English
- Jo Brand as Sandra
- Sheridan Smith as Gina Wilson
-
Ella Hunt as Alice Wilson -
Mark Addy as Keith Wilson
Also Starring in The More You Ignore Me
· 23 more- Alexander Morris Mark
- Tony Blackburn Top of the Pops Presenter (voice)
- Tom Davis Big Head Wildgoose
- Tony Way Wobbly Wildgoose
- Sheila Hancock Nan Wildgoose
- Ricky Tomlinson Bert Wildgoose
- Sally Phillips Dr Marie Henty
- Dave Simon Dave
- Clive Mantle Dunk
- Rod Glenn Ambulance Driver
- Elizabeth Carling Jean
- Roger Morlidge Phil
- Dennis Conlon Taxi Driver
- Frank Gray Vicar
- Rosie Akerman Karen
- Lewis Fletcher Ted Fairfax
Show all 27 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Nadine Hanwell Mrs. Langforth
- Daniel Coll Jim
- John Fagan Security Guard
- Eloise Groom Young Alice
- Ashley Taylor Dawson Dr Desmond
- Jamie Thurston Look North Presenter
- Jeannie Calandar Female Customer
More from Keith English
One more film directed by Keith English: The Cost of Deception.
The More You Ignore Me Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in sensory experience (60).
The More You Ignore Me Echo Score Breakdown
The More You Ignore Me delivers a warm, period‑driven drama that largely succeeds in portraying bipolar disorder and family dynamics. Direction and production design immerse viewers in 1970s‑80s Britain, while the ensemble cast, especially Ella Hunt and Sheridan Smith, offers nuanced performances that evoke empathy. Criticisms focus on uneven tonal shifts, a limited soundtrack, and an anachronistic tattoo that momentarily breaks immersion. Nonetheless, the film’s emotional core and authentic setting render it a commendable, if imperfect, viewing experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of direction and production design, Keith English creates an authentic 1970s‑80s atmosphere through meticulous set dressing and costume choices. Reviewers note the period details, such as cold houses and vintage clothing, enhance immersion. A minor flaw is the conspicuous tattoo that disrupts visual continuity. Overall, the film’s artful construction supports its narrative effectively.
- Character & Emotion 70
When assessing character work, the ensemble receives widespread praise, with Ella Hunt’s portrayal of Alice highlighted as the film’s emotional anchor. Sheridan Smith and other veterans are noted for strong performances, though some critics find the mother’s depiction overly theatrical. The chemistry among family members conveys genuine affection, balancing moments of humor and pathos. Overall, character rendering is solid despite occasional excess.
- Story & Flow 65
The narrative follows a family coping with a mother’s severe mental illness, interweaving personal growth with period nostalgia. Reviewers commend its engaging and heartfelt storyline, especially the father‑daughter bond. However, some note tonal inconsistency, a rushed ending, and implausible plot elements like the tattoo and limited comedic ambition. In sum, the story is emotionally resonant yet uneven in execution.
- Sensory Experience 60
The film’s visual palette captures the muted tones and cluttered interiors of the era, reinforcing its period setting. Sound design is unobtrusive, allowing dialogue to dominate. Critics, however, lament the sparse soundtrack, with only two Smiths songs, and highlight the anachronistic tattoo as a sensory distraction. Overall, sensory elements contribute to authenticity but are marred by limited musical breadth.
- Rewatch Factor 68
Viewers report a strong inclination to revisit the film, citing its heartfelt family moments and authentic period detail as repeatable pleasures. The performances, especially Ella Hunt’s, encourage multiple viewings to appreciate subtle nuances. Nevertheless, the limited soundtrack and occasional tonal lapses may hinder endless re‑watchability. Overall, the movie offers solid replay value for those drawn to its emotional core.
The More You Ignore Me Plot Summary
What happens in The More You Ignore Me from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Alice Hollingworth Ella Hunt is a bright but lonely teenager living in a small English town during the 1980s. Her life is complicated by her mother Gina’s Sheridan Smith struggle with severe mental illness, which began as postnatal depression and has since dominated the family’s existence. Alice’s father, Keith Wilson Mark Addy, is a stoic and caring presence, trying to hold the family together while supporting both his wife and daughter.
Alice finds solace in music, particularly in her growing obsession with Morrissey and The Smiths, sparked by a revelatory moment watching Top of the Pops. As she navigates adolescence, her infatuation becomes both an escape from her difficult home life and a way to process her fears about inheriting her mother’s condition.
Full summary
The whole story of The More You Ignore Me, scene by scene
The More You Ignore Me Box Office
The More You Ignore Me grossed $212,498 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$212.5K
- International
- $212.5K
The More You Ignore Me Trailers & Videos
7 videos: 2 trailers and 5 clips.
- Trailer The More You Ignore Me Exclusive Trailer #1 (2020) | Movieclips Indie
- Clip The More You Ignore Me Exclusive Movie Clip - Mom Discovers Morrissey (2020) | Movieclips Indie
- Clip The More You Ignore Me | Movie Scene: Alice discovers The Smiths and it changes her life forever
- Clip Ella Hunt stars in coming-of-age movie THE MORE YOU IGNORE ME | 🍅80% Rotten Tomatoes Score
How Well Do You Know The More You Ignore Me?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays the lead character Alice Hollingworth?
The More You Ignore Me Also Known As
6 alternative titles, including “Чем больше ты меня игнорируешь” and “Nie ignoruj mnie”.
- Also known as
-
- Чем больше ты меня игнорируешь
- Nie ignoruj mnie
- Колкото повече ме избягваш…
- Čím víc mě přehlížíš
- 目中已无我
- 더 모어 유 이그노어 미
Seen The More You Ignore Me?
Movies Like The More You Ignore Me
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including More of Me, Me, Natalie and Better Things.
The More You Ignore Me FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of The More You Ignore Me, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The More You Ignore Me?
The More You Ignore Me runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was The More You Ignore Me released?
The More You Ignore Me was released on April 13, 2018.
Who directed The More You Ignore Me?
The More You Ignore Me was directed by Keith English.
More films by Keith English Who is in the cast of The More You Ignore Me?
The More You Ignore Me stars Jo Brand as Sandra, Sheridan Smith as Gina Wilson and Ella Hunt as Alice Wilson, among 27 credited actors.
How much did The More You Ignore Me make at the box office?
The More You Ignore Me grossed $212,498 worldwide.
Does The More You Ignore Me have a post-credit scene?
No. The More You Ignore Me has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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