Their Finest (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Their Finest is set primarily in London during 1940. The city serves as both the operational base for the British Ministry of Information's film unit and as a backdrop for the daily realities of wartime Britain. London during the Blitz provides an atmosphere of danger and urgency that shapes the filmmakers' work and lives.

Foreshadowing: The film's opening establishes London as a city under siege, with bombing raids creating the tension that motivates the need for morale-boosting propaganda films.

• london
• blitz
• setting
• world war 2
• britain

The film is set in 1940, during the height of World War II. This period is significant because Britain was facing relentless bombing during the London Blitz, and the British government was actively producing propaganda materials to maintain public morale. The wartime context directly influences the characters' professional work and personal struggles.

• 1940
• world war 2
• wwii
• blitz
• 1940s wartime era

World War II provides both the setting and the purpose for the film's narrative. The war creates the urgent need for propaganda films, which brings Catrin Cole into the Ministry of Information. The constant threat of bombing and the broader conflict provide the emotional weight that drives characters to find hope through storytelling. The era shapes everything from professional dynamics to personal relationships.

• world war 2
• propaganda
• blitz
• war effort
• ministry of information

The primary theme centers on film production and the power of storytelling during crisis. The film explores how filmmakers navigated the challenges of creating meaningful propaganda under immense pressure. Catrin's journey demonstrates how wartime creative work became both a professional calling and a form of national resilience, showing that storytelling itself can be an act of resistance.

• film production
• storytelling
• propaganda
• creativity
• wartime cinema

Resilience is embodied through Catrin Cole's determination to succeed in the male-dominated film industry despite significant obstacles. She adapts scripts under impossible deadlines, overcomes personal calamities, and transforms from a supportive wife into a confident screenwriter. The film shows how individuals can rise above adversity, particularly when their work serves a greater purpose during tumultuous times.

• resilience
• determination
• overcoming obstacles
• growth
• empowerment

Love and betrayal emerge through Catrin's evolving relationships. Her marriage to Ellis Cole becomes strained as her professional success grows and his own artistic identity falters. The arrival of actor Tom Buckley further complicates her emotional landscape, creating tension between duty and desire. The film examines how relationships become fragile under the pressures of wartime stress and personal insecurity.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Catrin and Ellis as a supportive couple, which makes the later tension in their marriage more impactful.

• love
• marriage
• betrayal
• relationships
• emotional conflict

Catrin Cole is the protagonist, a talented writer who puts aside her own aspirations to work for the British Ministry of Information's film unit during WWII. She begins as aScript writer tasked with adding 'female perspective' to propaganda films but evolves into a key creative force. Her journey represents growth from a supportive wife to an empowered artist who finds professional fulfillment despite personal costs.

• catrin cole
• protagonist
• main character
• screenwriter
• Ministry of Information

Tom Buckley is a charming and ambitious actor who works with Catrin at the Ministry of Information. He develops a deep connection with Catrin through their collaborative work on the propaganda films. His playful banter masks underlying affection for her, and his character arc becomes intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the demands of the wartime film industry.

• tom buckley
• actor
• love interest
• supporting character

Ambrose Hilliard is a seasoned, classically trained actor whose pride in traditional theatrical roles is challenged by the demands of wartime filmmaking. He represents the old guard of British cinema struggling to adapt to new forms of storytelling. His journey reflects the broader industry transition during WWII and culminates in personal growth as he learns to embrace change.

• ambrose hilliard
• actor
• experienced actor
• supporting character

Catrin and Ellis Cole's marriage deteriorates as Catrin achieves professional success and becomes the primary breadwinner. Ellis, a war artist struggling with feelings of inadequacy, becomes increasingly jealous of his wife's accomplishments. The pressure of wartime life and his own insecurity create growing tension, ultimately leading to a rift in their relationship as Catrin transforms into an empowered creative professional.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes establish Ellis as supportive of Catrin's career, making his eventual jealousy more surprising.

• ellis cole
• marriage
• husband
• relationship
• collapse

Their Finest highlights the challenges women faced in the male-dominated wartime film industry. Catrin is initially brought in merely to add 'woman's touch' to scripts but proves herself indispensable through her creativity and determination. Her journey represents the recognition of women's contributions during WWII, when societal roles shifted and women took on responsibilities traditionally held by men.

• women in film
• gender roles
• equality
• empowerment
• wartime roles