This Is England

In July 1983, we are introduced to Shaun, a 12-year-old boy living with his widowed mother in the East Midlands. He struggles with feelings of alienation at school and harbors deep emotional pain from the loss of his father in the Falklands War.

Shaun experiences a tumultuous last day of school when he gets into a physical altercation with a boy named Harvey. The fight stems from hurtful taunts about Shaun's bell-bottom trousers and a cruel joke about his father's death, leaving Shaun deeply distressed.

On his way home, Shaun encounters a gang of young skinheads led by Richard 'Woody' Woodford. Woody shows compassion towards Shaun and invites him to join their group, offering him a sense of belonging he has been missing.

As Shaun becomes part of Woody's gang, he quickly bonds with Woody and his girlfriend, Lorraine 'Lol' Jenkins. Shaun also meets Milky, the only black member of the group, Pukey, Kes, and Gadget, creating new friendships that help him escape his loneliness.

While adapting to his new friendship dynamics, Shaun develops a crush on the older girl, Michelle, nicknamed 'Smell'. Her New Romantic style captivates him, adding another layer to his coming-of-age experience.

During a party, the gang faces an alarming ambush by a bald, tattooed man wielding a machete. This frightening incident turns out to be a prank orchestrated by Andrew 'Combo' Gascoigne, a charismatic yet dangerously unstable former skinhead.

Combo begins to influence the gang with his nationalist and racist ideology, causing a rift within the group. His unstable nature alienates Woody, Lol, and others, as he tries to exert control over Shaun by tapping into his father's tragic history.

Under Combo's persuasion, Shaun attends a National Front meeting, further entrenching he and the gang in Combo's increasingly toxic views. This marks a turning point, reflecting the negative turn in Shaun's life as he gets swept up in the growing hostility.

The gang's actions escalate, leading to property vandalism and intimidation of local children. Combo's violent tendencies come to the forefront when he throws Pukey out of the car, punishing him for questioning their racist direction and creating fear among his friends.

Combo's obsession with Lol deepens, leading him down a dark spiral of rage and resentment. Consumed by his feelings, he violently assaults Milky in a fit of jealousy, showcasing his deteriorating mental state and the dangers of his toxic masculinity.

Shaun attempts to defend Milky during the brutal assault but is thrown aside by Combo. The aftermath of the incident leaves Shaun shocked and disillusioned as he takes Milky to the hospital, realizing the severity of the situation and the darkness surrounding him.

After the chaos, Shaun reflects on the aggression and turmoil that has consumed his life. He gazes at a photo of his deceased father, grappling with feelings of loss and the influence of Combo's hatred on his life.

Shaun's mother, Cynthia, reassures him about Milky's condition, creating a moment of emotional connection. This discussion helps Shaun begin to process his experiences and the relationships he values amidst the chaos.

In a poignant moment at the beach, Shaun casts away the St George's Flag, a gift from Combo, into the waves. This act symbolizes Shaun's determination to distance himself from the toxic environment and hatred that has been woven into his life.