Control

In 1975, Ian Curtis and Debbie Woodruff exchange vows in their home town of Macclesfield, England. The newlyweds start their life together as Ian begins to retreat from domestic life, preferring to write poetry in solitude.

After the wedding, Ian increasingly withdraws from family life, keeping to himself and focusing on writing poems. His distance creates tension at home as he struggles with the pull of artistic work versus ordinary domestic duties.

On 4 June 1976 Ian attends a Sex Pistols concert with school friends who will become his bandmates. Mesmerized by the performance, he volunteers to be their singer, and the group begins rehearsing under the name Warsaw. Terry Mason moves into a managerial role and Stephen Morris joins as drummer.

The band makes their live debut on 19 May 1977, kicking off a string of early performances. They quickly gain attention from the local scene and begin the transition from Warsaw to Joy Division as their identity.

By the end of 1977, the group officially renames themselves Joy Division, marking a new chapter in their identity and sound. The lineup and energy solidify around Curtis, Sumner, Hook, and Morris.

Towards the end of 1977, Ian and Debbie bankroll the band’s first recording effort, An Ideal for Living. The EP helps to establish their early presence and leads to further opportunities with Factory Records.

In December 1978 Ian experiences a seizure on the way back from a London gig and is diagnosed with epilepsy. He begins medications that leave him drowsy and moody, and the band writes 'She’s Lost Control' inspired by the experience of Corinne Lewis’ seizure.

Debbie gives birth to their daughter Natalie in April 1979. Soon after, Ian quits his employment to go on tour with the band, leaving Debbie to work and care for the baby while he pursues the growing music career.

Upon returning from the road, Ian confesses to Belgian journalist Annik Honoré that he is miserable at home and begins an affair with her during Joy Division’s January 1980 European tour. The personal conflict intensifies as his marriage frays.

During the recording of Closer in Islington, Ian’s relationship with Annik continues as he struggles with his marriage and the pressures of fame. He keeps performing though the strain takes a visible toll on him and his voice. The band also prepares for a US tour that would depart in May.

Ian suffers a seizure during a live performance and is briefly comforted by Annik, who admits she is falling in love with him. He then attempts suicide by overdosing on phenobarbital, but doctors save his life and he returns to performing with renewed exhaustion.

The stress of touring and expectations leads to heightened tensions, including a gig at Derby Hall in Bury that is ruined when a band member steps in. Debbie discovers Ian’s ongoing affair and demands a divorce, marking the unraveling of their marriage.

On 17 May 1980 Ian returns home after a heated exchange with Debbie and suffers another seizure. He dies by hanging the next morning, leaving Joy Division stunned and changing the course of the band's history.