Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in Bradford, a city in West Yorkshire, northern England. The contrast between the urban working-class neighborhood where Rita and Sue live and the more affluent suburban setting of Bob and Michelle's home underscores the social class divide that runs throughout the story. The Yorkshire moors also appear as a contrasting landscape.

• bradford
• yorkshire
• setting
• location
• uk

Social class is a central theme, with the story contrasting Rita and Sue's working-class background against Bob and Michelle's middle-class lifestyle. Their involvement with Bob highlights the divisions and challenges that arise from differing social circumstances, exploring how economic inequality shapes relationships and opportunities.

• social class
• working class
• middle class
• inequality

Rita is a headstrong and adventurous teenage girl who becomes involved in an affair with Bob. Desperate for love and acceptance, she often acts impulsively, leading to conflict and chaotic situations. Her bold personality contrasts with Sue's more sensitive nature.

• rita
• teenage girl
• character

Sue is portrayed as more sensitive and vulnerable compared to Rita. She often finds herself overshadowed by Rita's boldness. Her experiences with relationships and family challenges drive her difficult choices about identity and romance, including her involvement with Aslam.

• sue
• teenage girl
• character
• vulnerable

Bob is a middle-class man experiencing marital problems who becomes romantically involved with both Rita and Sue. His inability to maintain emotional stability creates turmoil in all his relationships. He represents the power imbalance inherent in his position relative to the two teenage girls.

• bob
• middle class
• marital discord

Michelle is Bob's wife, portrayed as suspicious of her husband's behavior throughout the film. Her journey centers on discovering and confronting the betrayal by Bob, highlighting the emotional devastation that infidelity causes and representing the adult relationship that falls apart due to his actions.

• michelle
• wife
• infidelity
• betrayal

The friendship between Rita and Sue serves as a core foundation throughout the film. Despite the chaos caused by their romantic entanglements with Bob, their bond demonstrates resilience and loyalty. Their relationship is tested but ultimately endures, showing how their connection helps them navigate difficult circumstances.

• friendship
• loyalty
• bond

Aslam is a Pakistani cab driver who becomes a romantic interest for Sue. His character highlights themes of racial tension and the complexities of intercultural relationships in modern British society, adding another layer of social challenge beyond class divisions.

• aslam
• race
• cultural relationships
• pakistani

Infidelity drives much of the film's conflict through Bob's affairs with both Rita and Sue. The emotional fallout affects all characters, particularly Michelle, whose suspicions are confirmed as she confronts the betrayal. This theme explores how broken trust devastates relationships and families.

• infidelity
• affair
• trust
• marriage

Despite comedic elements, the film has a dark tone, with the humor undercut by serious themes of exploitation, precarious teenage life, and racism. The intense, fast-paced narrative features explosive arguments, public confrontations, and moments of physical danger, creating a emotionally heavy viewing experience.

• tone
• dark comedy
• drama
• intense

The ending is deliberately ambiguous. While Rita and Sue appear to be together and seemingly in control of their situation, their future with Bob remains uncertain and fraught. The film offers no clear resolution or moral judgment, leaving viewers to interpret what comes next.

• ending
• ambiguous
• resolution