Misbehaviour

Misbehaviour

Year: 2020

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Philippa Lowthorpe

Echo Score: 75
DramaHistoryComedy

During the 1970 Miss World competition in London, hosted by Bob Hope, the Women's Liberation Movement stages a dramatic protest, interrupting the live television broadcast. This unprecedented event challenges the competition's objectification of women and sparks a national conversation. The unexpected result sees Miss Grenada crowned, making her the first black woman to win the title, marking a significant moment that questions conventional beauty standards and societal expectations.

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Timeline & Setting – Misbehaviour (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Misbehaviour (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970

The events unfold in 1970, a year marked by rising feminist activism and public demonstrations. London hosts the Miss World pageant, drawing global attention to gender politics and race. The narrative anchors its energy in the immediate social climate of the early 1970s.

Location

London, United Kingdom, University College London

Set in London, the story centers on the Miss World 1970 pageant held in the city and the surrounding protest movement. It also glimpses Sally's life at University College London, reflecting the era's feminist discourse within academia. The city backdrop highlights media attention, political tension, and the clash between celebrity spectacle and social change.

🏙️ Urban setting 🪧 protest culture 🎭 London theatre

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

Main Characters – Misbehaviour (2020)

Meet the key characters of Misbehaviour (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sally Alexander (Keira Knightley)

A history student at University College London who becomes a leading figure in the women's rights movement. She shifts from academic curiosity to organized activism, planning to disrupt the Miss World broadcast. By the end, she advances in academia, becoming Professor of Modern History at the University of London.

🎓 Academic ✊ Feminism

Jo Robinson (Jessie Buckley)

A determined feminist activist who introduces Sally to a women’s group and coordinates the protest. She remains committed to challenging sexism, even under arrest and public scrutiny. Off-screen, she starts a family and retrains as a midwife, reflecting personal evolution alongside activism.

🪧 Activist 👶 Motherhood

Jennifer Hosten

Miss Grenada and the first woman of color to win Miss World, who forms a mutual understanding with Pearl Jansen about racism. Her ascent in the pageant becomes a focal point around race, politics, and empowerment during a controversial event.

🏆 Contestant 🌍 Race & Politics

Pearl Jansen

Miss Africa South, whose involvement highlights the racial dynamics of the Miss World pageant and anti-apartheid sentiment. She shares concerns with Jennifer about the impact of racism and the consequences of speaking out against oppression.

🏆 Contestant 🌍 Anti-Racism

Bob Hope (Bob Hope)

American comedian hired to host the Miss World broadcast, whose jokes frame the event’s sexism and controversy. His collaboration with the pageant is critical to the protest’s disruption and the ensuing media consequences.

🎭 Host 🎤 Celebrity

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

Major Themes – Misbehaviour (2020)

Explore the central themes of Misbehaviour (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✊ Feminism

The film centers on women organizing, questioning sexist norms, and using public platforms to push for equality. Sally and Jo move from academic curiosity to active disruption, illustrating how feminist ideas translate into action. Their choices test personal relationships while advancing a broader movement.

🎤 Media & Protest

Misbehaviour explores how live television becomes a battleground for protest, with the group attempting to interrupt the broadcast. The host's persona and the crowd's reactions collide with political messaging, showing the power and limits of media-driven activism. The disruption garners wide attention and complicates the spectacle of Miss World.

🌍 Racial Equality

The presence of contestants like Jennifer Hosten and Pearl Jansen exposes the racial tensions within the pageant and society at large. The film highlights conversations about racism, anti-black sentiment, and the courage of those who challenge oppressive systems. Jennifer's victory becomes a symbolic milestone within a broader global struggle for equality.

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

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Narrative Summary

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Unlock the Full Story of Misbehaviour

Don't stop at just watching — explore Misbehaviour in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Misbehaviour is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Misbehaviour Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Misbehaviour, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Misbehaviour Summary

Misbehaviour Timeline

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Misbehaviour Timeline

Misbehaviour Spoiler-Free Summary

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Misbehaviour Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Misbehaviour

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