I, Daniel Blake

Daniel Blake, a 59-year-old carpenter, experiences a heart attack while at work. This critical health event forces him to reassess his life and capabilities, leading to significant changes in his personal circumstances.

Despite his health issues, a work capability assessment shockingly deems Daniel fit to work. This decision results in the denial of his employment and support allowance, compounding his struggles with the welfare system.

Daniel discovers that his doctor was never contacted regarding his work capability assessment. He is left frustrated as the lengthy and complex appeal process is exacerbated by his lack of computer skills.

In his search for support, Daniel crosses paths with Katie, a single mother struggling with her own challenges. Recently moved to Newcastle, Katie has been sanctioned for being late to a job center appointment, leaving her and her children without stable housing.

Daniel takes it upon himself to assist Katie by repairing items around her home and teaching her how to heat it without electricity. He also crafts wooden toys for her children, forming a valuable friendship amidst their hardships.

Daniel falls deeper into the welfare bureaucracy as his application for employment benefits is rejected. The pressure to search for jobs begins to weigh heavily on him despite his doctor's advice not to work.

After being sanctioned for not demonstrating enough effort in job searching, Daniel faces a crippling four-week Job Seekers Allowance sanction. This penalty puts him in a dire situation, forcing him to consider the implications of his struggle.

Amidst her own struggles, Katie breaks down at a food bank overwhelmed by hunger. Desperate to provide for her children, she ends up stealing, which leads her to being offered a job in a brothel.

Worried for Katie, Daniel confronts her at the brothel, urging her to leave the job. Despite his pleas, she insists that she sees no other option to support her family, highlighting the desperation of their situations.

Frustrated by the demands of the welfare agency, Daniel resorts to spray-painting a message on their building. His declaration, 'I, Daniel Blake, demand my appeal date before I starve,' gains public sympathy but results in his arrest.

In a moment of despair, Daniel isolates himself and sells most of his belongings. However, the gesture of kindness from Daisy, Katie's daughter, who brings him a homemade meal, breathes some hope back into his life.

Daniel's day of appeal arrives, and Katie shows her support by standing with him in court. The welfare adviser expresses confidence in his case, but Daniel's anxiety skyrockets upon seeing the judge and the assigned doctor.

Overwhelmed by stress, Daniel suffers another heart attack in the restroom before his case is heard. This tragic event seals his fate, marking a heartbreaking end to his struggle against an uncaring system.

Daniel's funeral is marked by a public health service where Katie delivers a heartfelt eulogy. In a moving tribute, she recites parts of his planned appeal speech, emphasizing the systemic failures that led to his tragic fate.