What Is This Is England About?
The premise of This Is England in 347 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the summer of 1983, a Britain still echoing with the after‑effects of the Falklands conflict shrouds its working‑class neighborhoods in a gritty, restless mood. The streets pulse with music, fashion and an undercurrent of social change, while the air is thick with the unspoken questions of a generation trying to define itself after a turbulent decade. The film captures this era with a muted colour palette and a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and unsettling, inviting the viewer to feel the restless energy of a society on the edge.
At the centre of this world is a shy, twelve‑year‑old boy named Shaun. Still grappling with the loss of his father—a casualty of the recent war—he drifts through school and home feeling invisible and misunderstood. The weight of grief sits heavy on his shoulders, and the ache for belonging drives him to seek out any community that might offer a sense of purpose. His quiet desperation is palpable, and the audience is drawn into his internal struggle between the memory of his father and the longing for a new identity.
It is within a local skinhead crew that Shaun first finds the camaraderie he craves. The group is led by the charismatic yet troubled Combo, whose magnetic presence promises guidance and a place to belong. Alongside him stands Woody, a more seasoned figure who offers a gentler, brotherly friendship, while others in the circle each bring their own slice of the era’s style and attitude. The dynamics within the gang hint at both solidarity and underlying tension, suggesting that the path to acceptance may be more complicated than it initially appears.
As Shaun becomes more entwined with this disparate family, the film balances moments of warmth and belonging against a backdrop of rising uncertainty. The tone remains bittersweet, reflecting the fragile hope of a boy trying to navigate a world that feels both hostile and inviting. Through carefully crafted visuals and a subtly charged atmosphere, the story leaves us wondering how far Shaun will go to forge his own identity amid the conflicting forces that surround him.
What Happens in This Is England?
The complete story of This Is England, from the first scene to the last, in 519 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In July 1983, we meet Shaun, a troubled 12-year-old boy living with his widowed mother in a nondescript area in the East Midlands. Alienated and often antagonized at school and in his community, Shaun’s painful journey begins on the last day of school when he gets into a physical altercation with a boy named Harvey. After Harvey mocks Shaun for his bell-bottom trousers and makes a hurtful joke about his father—who perished in the Falklands War—Shaun leaves in distress.
On his way home, Shaun encounters a gang of young skinheads led by Richard “Woody” Woodford, who offers him compassion and invites him to join their group. There, he meets Milky, the only black member; Pukey; Kes; and the overweight, slow-witted Gadget. Although there are initial conflicts, Shaun quickly forms a bond with Woody, whom he sees as an elder brother, and Woody’s girlfriend, Lorraine “Lol” Jenkins, who tends to him like a mother. Shaun also develops a crush on Michelle, nicknamed Smell, an older girl with a flair for the New Romantic style.
After one night at a party, the gang faces a harrowing ambush by a bald, tattooed man wielding a machete, only for it to reveal itself as a prank led by Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne, a former first-wave skinhead just out of prison. Combo, a charismatic yet unstable figure, starts pushing nationalist and racist rhetoric that alienates Woody, Lol, and others, creating tension within the group. When he brings up the Falklands War, Shaun reveals the truth about his father’s death, which Combo exploits to sway the impressionable boy to his side, ensuing a division in the gang.
Feeling an odd sense of fatherhood from Combo, Shaun navigates through Combo’s increasingly toxic leadership that involves attending a National Front meeting. On the way back, when Pukey questions their racist direction, Combo reacts violently, throwing him out of the car and subjecting him to a brutal verbal attack. The gang’s actions escalate as they vandalize property, intimidate neighborhood kids, and threaten local shopkeeper Mr. Sandhu under Combo’s orders, forcing Shaun—banned from the shop—to hurl insults in a fit of bigotry.
As Combo’s obsession with Lol deepens, his rejection sends him into a dark spiral. His envy peaks during a drug-fueled evening with Milky, where Combo’s bitterness leads him to brutally assault Milky when he learns of his happy upbringing. Shaun finds himself thrust into a horrifying situation where he tries to defend Milky, only to be violently tossed out by Combo, who soon realizes the grave consequences of his actions. In a moment filled with remorse, he weeps for Milky’s fate, and Shaun eventually takes him to the hospital.
In the aftermath, Shaun reflects on the turmoil and aggression surrounding him. In a somber scene, he gazes at a photo of his deceased father, contemplating the chaos that has engulfed him. His mother, Cynthia, reassures him about Milky’s condition, while Shaun’s journey culminates at the beach, where he casts his St George’s Flag—a gift from Combo—into the waves, symbolizing his determination to distance himself from the hatred and pain that had so deeply rooted itself in his life.
This Is England Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Shaun” to “Casting Away the Flag”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Introduction of Shaun
In July 1983, we are introduced to Shaun, a 12-year-old boy living with his widowed mother in the East Midlands. He struggles with feelings of alienation at school and harbors deep emotional pain from the loss of his father in the Falklands War.
When:July 1983 Where:East Midlands
- 2
Altercation with Harvey
Shaun experiences a tumultuous last day of school when he gets into a physical altercation with a boy named Harvey. The fight stems from hurtful taunts about Shaun's bell-bottom trousers and a cruel joke about his father's death, leaving Shaun deeply distressed.
- 3
Meeting the Skinheads
On his way home, Shaun encounters a gang of young skinheads led by Richard 'Woody' Woodford. Woody shows compassion towards Shaun and invites him to join their group, offering him a sense of belonging he has been missing.
- 4
Forming Bonds
As Shaun becomes part of Woody's gang, he quickly bonds with Woody and his girlfriend, Lorraine 'Lol' Jenkins. Shaun also meets Milky, the only black member of the group, Pukey, Kes, and Gadget, creating new friendships that help him escape his loneliness.
- 5
Crush on Michelle
While adapting to his new friendship dynamics, Shaun develops a crush on the older girl, Michelle, nicknamed 'Smell'. Her New Romantic style captivates him, adding another layer to his coming-of-age experience.
- 6
Prank Gone Wrong
During a party, the gang faces an alarming ambush by a bald, tattooed man wielding a machete. This frightening incident turns out to be a prank orchestrated by Andrew 'Combo' Gascoigne, a charismatic yet dangerously unstable former skinhead.
- 7
Combo's Influence
Combo begins to influence the gang with his nationalist and racist ideology, causing a rift within the group. His unstable nature alienates Woody, Lol, and others, as he tries to exert control over Shaun by tapping into his father's tragic history.
- 8
Attending the National Front Meeting
Under Combo's persuasion, Shaun attends a National Front meeting, further entrenching he and the gang in Combo's increasingly toxic views. This marks a turning point, reflecting the negative turn in Shaun's life as he gets swept up in the growing hostility.
- 9
Violence Erupts
The gang's actions escalate, leading to property vandalism and intimidation of local children. Combo's violent tendencies come to the forefront when he throws Pukey out of the car, punishing him for questioning their racist direction and creating fear among his friends.
- 10
Combo's Descent
Combo's obsession with Lol deepens, leading him down a dark spiral of rage and resentment. Consumed by his feelings, he violently assaults Milky in a fit of jealousy, showcasing his deteriorating mental state and the dangers of his toxic masculinity.
Show the other 4 events of This Is England Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Shaun's Attempt to Help
Shaun attempts to defend Milky during the brutal assault but is thrown aside by Combo. The aftermath of the incident leaves Shaun shocked and disillusioned as he takes Milky to the hospital, realizing the severity of the situation and the darkness surrounding him.
- 12
Reflection and Regret
After the chaos, Shaun reflects on the aggression and turmoil that has consumed his life. He gazes at a photo of his deceased father, grappling with feelings of loss and the influence of Combo's hatred on his life.
- 13
Final Conversations
Shaun's mother, Cynthia, reassures him about Milky's condition, creating a moment of emotional connection. This discussion helps Shaun begin to process his experiences and the relationships he values amidst the chaos.
- 14
Casting Away the Flag
In a poignant moment at the beach, Shaun casts away the St George's Flag, a gift from Combo, into the waves. This act symbolizes Shaun's determination to distance himself from the toxic environment and hatred that has been woven into his life.
Where:Beach
Who Are the Main Characters in This Is England?
5 characters, among them Shaun, Richard "Woody" Woodford and Combo: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
- S
Shaun
Shaun is a 12-year-old boy grappling with loss and searching for belonging in a harsh environment. Though troubled, he possesses a resilient spirit that propels him to seek connection, often leading him into complex situations within the gang dynamics. His character embodies the innocence of youth caught in a tumultuous world.
- 👦 Youth
- 💔 Loss
- 🤔 Searching
-
Richard "Woody" Woodford
Played by Stephen Graham
Woody is a charismatic leader of the skinhead gang, who represents a sense of brotherhood and protection for Shaun. His well-intentioned nature often clashes with Combo's aggressive tendencies, revealing his struggle to maintain the group's moral compass. Woody serves as an older brother figure, guiding Shaun through his turbulent journey.
- 🌟 Leadership
- 🤗 Protection
- ⚖️ Morality
- C
Combo
Combo is a complex and volatile character, embodying the darker aspects of masculinity and misguided loyalty. Fresh from prison, he becomes a negative influence within the gang, exploiting Shaun's vulnerabilities for his own gain. His descent into violence serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of toxic leadership.
- 🔥 Aggression
- ⚠️ Manipulation
- 💔 Betrayal
- L"
Lorraine "Lol" Jenkins
Played by Jo Hartley
Lol is Woody's girlfriend and a motherly figure for Shaun within the group. Her nurturing nature offers Shaun a sense of comfort amidst the chaos. As the story progresses, Lol becomes increasingly conflicted about Combo's influence, symbolizing the struggles between personal desires and collective identity.
- ❤️ Nurturing
- 🤔 Conflict
- 👩❤️👨 Loyalty
- M
Milky
Played by Thomas Turgoose
Milky is the only black member of the gang, who represents diversity within the group. Initially, he is a symbol of unity and acceptance; however, he later becomes a victim of Combo's xenophobic ideology. His character underscores the theme of friendship challenged by prejudice and reveals the damaging effects of racism.
- 🖤 Diversity
- 🤝 Friendship
- 💔 Prejudice
Where and When Is This Is England Set?
This Is England is set in East Midlands (July 1983). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
July 1983
The early 1980s were marked by significant social and political changes in the UK, including rising youth culture and national unrest. This period saw the emergence of various youth subcultures, including skinheads, and was influenced by economic challenges and class tensions. Shaun's coming-of-age story unravels amidst this volatile landscape.
Where
East Midlands
The East Midlands is a varied region in England known for its industrial heritage and cultural diversity. This setting provides a backdrop for Shaun's struggles and connections with the skinhead gang. The area embodies a mix of social issues, reflected in Shaun's experiences of alienation and belonging.
- 🌆 Urban
- 🏙️ Community
What Are the Themes of This Is England?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Violence and Brotherhood.
-
01
Identity
This film deeply explores the theme of identity, particularly through Shaun's turbulent journey as he seeks acceptance and belonging. His interactions with different characters shape his understanding of himself amidst conflicting ideologies. The struggle to define personal identity against external influences and peer pressure is central to the narrative.
-
02
Violence
Violence is a prominent theme in 'This Is England', manifesting through both physical confrontations and emotional turmoil. The character of Combo embodies this aggressive tendency, influencing Shaun and the gang to engage in acts of intimidation and bigotry. The destructive nature of this violence highlights the consequences it imposes on individuals and relationships.
-
03
Brotherhood
Brotherhood is portrayed through Shaun's relationship with Woody and the skinhead gang, contrasting the inherent tensions within their group. As Shaun searches for a father figure, he initially finds solace in this camaraderie. However, as influences shift, the bonds are tested, revealing how fragile these alliances can become in the face of moral dilemmas.
What Kind of Film Is This Is England?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A gritty and intense drama that follows a vulnerable boy's descent into a violent skinhead subculture, creating a tense and emotionally draining experience of lost innocence.
- gritty
- oppressive
- tragic
- brutal
- melancholic
- tense
- coming of age
- radicalization
- grief and loss
- working class
Content notes: racial violence, hate crime, child endangerment, bullying, physical assault, war trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember This Is England? Test yourself on the story.
