Career Girls

In 1996, Annie embarks on her journey to London, excited for a weekend visit with her flatmate Hannah. The anticipation is thick as she reflects on their friendship formed six years earlier at the Polytechnic of North London.

During their travels, Hannah opens up to Annie about the challenges she faces with her alcoholic mother. This moment brings to light the burdens of self-sufficiency that Hannah has carried since childhood, contrasting sharply with Annie's more sheltered upbringing.

As they reconnect, Annie shares her own mother's search for love and the complications of family relationships. This exchange solidifies their bond, allowing them to confide in one another about their past experiences and current dilemmas.

Flashback to 1986, when Hannah and Claire welcome Annie into their flat. The trio becomes close as they initially navigate the complexities of friendship while preparing for the impending departure of Claire the following year.

A poignant moment unfolds as Hannah reflects on the emotional impact of her parents' divorce when she was eight, revealing her struggle with expressing sadness. Annie shares her own experiences, noting her tendency to cry more freely.

The arrival of Ricky Burton, an awkward and stuttering lodger, shakes up the flat dynamics. His attempts to connect during pub conversations often lead to frustration for Hannah, especially when he clumsily addresses emotional topics.

After sharing a meal with Ricky, Annie and Hannah discuss Ricky's feelings for Annie. In an emotional drunken confession, Ricky admits his love for Annie, but she reveals her heart lies with someone else, leading to complications in their friendship.

Following Ricky's sudden departure, Annie and Hannah venture to Hartlepool to search for him at his grandmother's house. Their concern grows as they learn that he might be wandering aimlessly by the shore, prompting them to find him.

In the present, Annie actively helps Hannah find a new flat. Their trip leads them to a bizarre viewing with Mr. Evans, an experience filled with comical awkwardness due to his eccentric decor and behavior.

An unexpected reunion occurs with Adrian Spinks, an estate agent and Annie's old college flame. Although he feigns unawareness of their past, flashbacks reveal a complicated history that intertwines their lives.

Annie and Hannah discuss the impact Adrian had on their lives over a meal. The conversation reveals lingering feelings and hurt regarding Adrian's departure, illuminating how their past influences their current relationships.

A flashback captures the bittersweet moment as the friends prepare to leave their university flat. They come to terms with their growth and the emotional farewells, setting the stage for their futures.

While reminiscing about their past over dinner, the women unexpectedly meet Claire during a stroll, revisiting memories of their shared lives. This fortuitous meeting evokes nostalgia and prompts reflections on their journey.

Their journey takes a somber turn when they find Ricky outside the Chinese takeaway. Clutching a toy elephant, he appears a shadow of his former self, revealing the depth of his struggles through his recent heartbreak and family loss.

Annie and Hannah's visit to Hartlepool starkly illustrates Ricky's decline. They are deeply affected as they confront the harsh realities of his mental and physical health, marking a poignant moment of reflection for both women.

Finally, the journey culminates back at the railway station where Annie and Hannah bid each other a heartfelt farewell. The depth of their shared experiences resonates, emphasizing the unpredictability and complexity of life.