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Sorry We Missed You

Sorry We Missed You 2020

Directed by

Ken Loach

Ken Loach

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Sorry We Missed You (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Ricky Turner, portrayed by Kris Hitchen, and his family have been grappling with the relentless grip of debt ever since the 2008 financial crash shook their lives. With limited education and no formal qualifications, Ricky seizes a glimmer of hope when he secures a position running a franchise as a self-employed delivery driver. However, this opportunity comes under the unyielding oversight of Ross Brewster, who plays Maloney, a strict and demanding employer.

To make ends meet, Ricky persuades his wife, Debbie Honeywood, who plays Abby, to part with their family car—essential for her work as a home care nurse. This decision adds further strain to their already precarious situation. The mounting pressure on Ricky to meet delivery deadlines proves overwhelming; he faces hefty fines for tardiness or any mistakes he makes while on the job. Abby, feeling the repercussions of their choice, struggles with her demanding schedule and feels the emotional toll of missing out on quality time with her patients.

Their son, Seb, is acting out—skipping school and getting into trouble, often resorting to graffiti as a means of rebellion. One night, in a fit of anger after a confrontation with his parents, Seb vandalizes the family portraits. The following morning, when Ricky cannot locate his van keys, he irrationally blames Seb. Despite Seb’s protests of innocence, a heated argument culminates in Ricky hitting him. Later, Liza Jane, Ricky’s younger daughter, tearfully reveals she is the one who hid the keys, believing that Ricky’s job is to blame for their family’s troubles.

As if the stress isn’t enough, while on the job, Ricky faces a horrific turn of events: he gets robbed and brutally assaulted during a delivery. In a poignant moment at the hospital, as he’s treated for his injuries, Maloney calls to inform him that he will incur over £1,000 in fines due to a damaged barcode scanner from the attack. Meanwhile, Seb begins to soften and reconnect with his family. However, as Ricky, visibly battered and distressed, prepares to leave for work once more, his family—filled with concern—pleads with him to stay home, foreshadowing the emotional turmoil to come.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Sorry We Missed You (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Financial Struggles Begin

Ricky Turner and his family are hit hard by the 2008 financial crash, which leaves them grappling with insurmountable debt. Their financial challenges set the stage for a tense and chaotic future as they struggle to make ends meet.

2008

Ricky Secures a Job

In a bid to alleviate their financial burden, Ricky secures a position as a self-employed delivery driver running a franchise. This job represents a glimmer of hope for Ricky, although it comes with strict oversight from his demanding employer, Maloney.

Sacrifice of the Family Car

To support their tight financial situation, Ricky persuades his wife, Abby, to sell their family car, which is essential for her job as a home care nurse. This decision deepens the strain on their relationship and places additional pressure on Abby's already hectic schedule.

Tension of Delivery Deadlines

Ricky faces mounting challenges as he struggles to meet the strict delivery deadlines set by Maloney. The pressure results in hefty fines for tardiness or mistakes, compounding Ricky's stress and leading to further disruption at home.

Seb's Rebellion

Ricky and Abby's son, Seb, starts acting out in school, skipping classes and engaging in graffiti as a form of rebellion against his family's struggles. His troubles reflect the family's emotional distress and escalating challenges within the household.

Family Confrontation

After a tense confrontation with his parents, Seb vandalizes family portraits in a display of anger. This act underscores the growing rifts within the family unit and highlights Seb's turmoil as he tries to process the family's situation.

The Key Incident

The following morning, Ricky's inability to find his van keys leads him to irrationally blame Seb for their disappearance. Despite Seb's protests of innocence, a heated argument ensues, resulting in Ricky losing his temper and physically hitting his son, deepening the emotional divide.

Liza Jane's Revelation

In a heartfelt moment, Ricky's younger daughter, Liza Jane, reveals that she hid the keys, believing her father's job was causing their family's issues. Her innocent confession adds a layer of guilt to Ricky's already burdened conscience.

Ricky's Assault

While on the job, Ricky endures a horrific incident where he is robbed and brutally assaulted during a delivery. This violent encounter shocks him and exacerbates the already severe pressure on his mental and emotional wellbeing.

Hospitalization

Ricky is treated for his injuries at the hospital, only to receive a call from Maloney, informing him that he will incur fines exceeding £1,000 due to a damaged scanner from the assault. This news leaves Ricky feeling hopeless and trapped in a never-ending cycle of financial despair.

Hospital

Family Reconnection

Following the assault, Seb begins to soften and reconnect with his family, demonstrating their need for unity in the face of adversity. This shift introduces a glimmer of hope as they strive to support each other through their hardships.

Ricky's Decision to Work Again

Despite his visible injuries and the concerns of his family, Ricky prepares to leave for work once again. The emotional plea from his family to stay home highlights the anxiety and turmoil lurking beneath the surface of their lives.

Characters

Explore all characters from Sorry We Missed You (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Ricky Turner

Ricky is a determined but stressed father who is trying to provide for his family in the wake of financial struggles. His desperation leads him to take risks that ultimately strain his relationships, showcasing his vulnerability and the impact of economic pressures on his mental state.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 📦 Delivery 💼 Employment

Abby Turner

Abby is a devoted mother and home care nurse grappling with the toll that financial crisis takes on her family. Her character represents the emotional labor of caregiving, as she tries to hold her family together while facing her own professional challenges.

👩‍👧 Work ❤️ Caregiver 😔 Sacrifice

Seb Turner

Seb is a troubled teenager struggling to find his place while dealing with his family's strained dynamics. His descent into rebellion is a cry for help, showcasing the impact of adult challenges on children and their mental health.

🎨 Rebellion 😡 Anger 🧑‍🎓 Youth

Setting

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Time period

2008

The movie is set in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, a period marked by economic instability and challenges for families. This era saw many struggling with debt and job insecurity, forcing individuals to make difficult choices to survive and provide for their families.

Themes

Discover the main themes in Sorry We Missed You (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Struggles of Family Life

The film explores the pressure and strain placed on family relationships due to financial hardship. It highlights how economic struggles can lead to emotional distress and conflicts within the family, affecting their ability to communicate and connect.

🚚

Employment Challenges

Ricky's journey as a self-employed delivery driver illustrates the difficulties faced in the gig economy. The film sheds light on the lack of job security and overwhelming demands placed on workers who are trying to make a living in precarious situations.

🎨

Rebellion and Consequence

Seb's rebellious actions, including graffiti and vandalism, reflect the turmoil and frustration felt by the younger generation. His struggles to cope with family pressure and emotional distress serve as a poignant commentary on the impact of adult decisions on children.

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