Year: 2015
Runtime: 106 min
Language: English
Director: Sarah Gavron
In early 20th-century England, working mother Maud Watts’s life changes dramatically as the suffragette movement gains strength. Inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst's activism, Maud joins a group of women fighting for the right to vote. Their bold actions lead to increasing police repression and severe consequences, putting their livelihoods, relationships, and even their lives at risk as they relentlessly pursue a just cause and equality for women.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Suffragette yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Suffragette (2015), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Suffragette (2015) marks a powerful directorial endeavor by Sarah Gavron, in association with writer Abi Morgan, funded by the British Film Institute. This poignant historical drama, set against the backdrop of London, chronicles the lives of the early members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) as they evolve from peaceful demonstrators into determined lawbreakers.
The film intricately documents the clandestine meetings held by the WSPU, where strategies are debated when peaceful protests and parliamentary efforts fail to secure voting rights for women. As the women face escalating mistreatment from employers, police, and governmental deceit, they resolve to heighten their activism through acts of civil disobedience, which include vandalizing Oxford Street windows, postboxes, churches, and the homes of politicians.
Amid increasing police surveillance and subsequent arrests, the suffragettes courageously endure imprisonment and embark on hunger strikes to make their voices heard. Central to this riveting tale are laundry workers Maud Watts (played by Carey Mulligan) and Violet Miller (portrayed by Anne-Marie Duff), along with shopkeeper Edith Ellyn brought to life by Helena Bonham Carter. The ensemble also features Gentry Mrs. Haughton, played by [Romola Garai], and the iconic WSPU founder [Emmeline Pankhurst], represented by [Meryl Streep].
In a larger narrative, the film also highlights the struggles faced by the husbands of these activists, such as Mr. Watts portrayed by Ben Whishaw, [Mr. Ellyn] played by Finbar Lynch, and Mr. Haughton, played by Samuel West. The intertwined stories of activism, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of equality make Suffragette an essential cinematic experience that not only recounts history but also echoes the ongoing fight for women’s rights.
Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:38
Don't stop at just watching — explore Suffragette 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 Suffragette is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Suffragette with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Suffragette that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Suffragette (2015) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Suffragette (2015) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Suffragette – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Made in Dagenham (2010) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
She Said (2022) Full Summary & Key Details
Mansfield Park (1999) Detailed Story Recap
The Favourite (2018) Full Summary & Key Details
Effie Gray (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
Promising Young Woman (2020) Story Summary & Characters
Mothering Sunday (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Strike (2007) Complete Plot Breakdown
Sade (2002) Story Summary & Characters
Silkwood (1983) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Vanity Fair (2004) Complete Plot Breakdown
The M Word (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
The Women (2008) Full Summary & Key Details
The Dressmaker (2016) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Midwife (2017) Full Summary & Key Details