Sorry We Missed You

Set in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the film follows a family navigating debt and a tightening welfare-safety net. The late-2000s to early-2010s austerity era magnifies the pressures of low-wage work and unstable hours. It portrays a near-present-day Britain where work-life balance is sacrificed for survival.

The story unfolds in the United Kingdom, rooted in the North East; a working-class setting where cost of living and debt pressures shape daily life. The city and surrounding suburbs provide the backdrop for family stress, precarious work, and the modern service economy. The region's industrial history contrasts with the present-day reliance on gig-economy jobs and essential public services.

💸 Economic Struggle

Debt, selling the family car, and mounting fines illustrate how ordinary families are squeezed by economic precarity. Ricky’s low-wage delivery job becomes a constant source of stress, with every delay or mistake risking penalties. The film anchors its message in daily financial pressure and the fear of falling deeper into debt.

⚖️ Precarious Work

The self-employed delivery role places Ricky under relentless deadlines and employer demands. He must meet targets or incur fines, while the barcode scanner incident turns a brutal assault into a new financial penalty from the employer. The narrative critiques the gig economy and the lack of lasting security for workers.

💖 Family Bonds

Despite mounting stress, the family clings to each other. Abby and Ricky juggle demanding jobs and limited time together, while Seb’s rebellion gradually gives way to reconciliation. Liza Jane reveals the hidden keys, highlighting how small acts of concealment and honesty shape family dynamics. The film portrays resilience and solidarity in the face of hardship.