Sorry We Missed You Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family buys a van, and things go wrong… very, very wrong.

🍿 Sorry We Missed You: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Struggling to Make Ends Meet

Ricky, a former construction worker, and Abby, a home care nurse, are a working-class couple in Newcastle struggling financially after the 2008 financial crisis. They dream of owning their own home but are burdened by debt and precarious employment. The film opens with Ricky exploring a ‘self-employed’ opportunity as a delivery driver.

The Promise of Self-Employment

Ricky decides to pursue a franchise as a delivery driver, believing it will provide financial stability. To afford the required van, Abby sells her car, which she desperately needs for her job as a home care nurse. This decision puts a tremendous strain on Abby, forcing her to rely on public transportation to reach her patients.

The Realities of the Gig Economy

Ricky quickly learns that being a ‘self-employed’ delivery driver is far from ideal. He faces immense pressure to meet delivery quotas, works long hours with no breaks, and is penalized for any mistakes or missed deliveries. Abby, too, struggles with her demanding job and the added burden of unreliable transportation. Their family life suffers as a result of their exhausting work schedules.

Family Fractures

The pressure and stress of their financial situation take a toll on the entire family. Their teenage son, Seb, becomes increasingly rebellious, skipping school and engaging in graffiti art. Their daughter, Liza Jane, tries to hold the family together but feels the strain of her parents’ constant absence and the growing tension at home. The lack of quality time and emotional support further widens the gap between family members.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ricky (Kris Hitchen): A hard-working but financially struggling father who becomes a delivery driver in hopes of improving his family’s situation.
• Abby (Debbie Honeywood): A dedicated care worker and mother who sacrifices her own needs and well-being to support her family.
• Seb (Rhys Mcgowan): The teenage son who rebels against his parents’ struggles, expressing his frustration through truancy and graffiti.
• Liza Jane (Katie Proctor): The younger daughter who tries to hold the family together amidst the growing pressure and conflict.
• Maloney (Ross Brewster): Ricky’s unsympathetic and exploitative boss, who embodies the harsh realities of the gig economy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abby: “This is my family, and I’m telling you now, nobody messes with my family.” – Abby firmly defends her family when faced with immense pressure and hardship.
• Maloney: “You don’t work for us, you work with us.” – Maloney uses this phrase to mask the exploitative nature of the ‘self-employment’ contract.
• Ricky: “I thought we could get ahead.” – Ricky expresses his dashed hopes of improving his family’s situation through hard work.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $28,273
• Worldwide Gross: $8,943,790

💥 Sorry We Missed You Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. I felt the desperation of the characters so deeply. Seeing their struggles to balance work and family life in the face of economic hardship was incredibly moving. The scene where Ricky breaks down after being robbed was particularly impactful. I was left feeling angry at the system and hoping for a better future for families like theirs. Also I cried a lot. Seriously.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary and realistic dramas”
  • “Fans of Ken Loach’s previous films, such as ‘I, Daniel Blake'”
  • “Individuals interested in films about working-class struggles and economic inequality”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of poverty and financial hardship”
  • “Violence and disturbing situations”
  • “Emotional distress”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Loach once again highlights the plight of the working class, delivering a film that’s both heartbreaking and infuriating. The raw performances and unflinching look at economic exploitation make this a must-see.
• Variety: “A powerful and realistic portrayal of a family struggling in the gig economy. Loach’s signature style and commitment to social commentary shine through. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• IMDB: “Not Loach’s best, by a long way, but still an interesting (if depressing) polemic.Relentlessly bleak. Contrived.Contrasting this film with his past ones, I, Daniel Blake had few of the faults of this latest outing and all of its strengths

Audience Reactions

The film’s realism and emotional depth resonated strongly with viewers.: Most people felt that the film accurately depicts the struggles of working-class families in the modern economy.

Audience members felt the father’s struggle: Most related to his work struggle.

Overall Consensus: A bleak but powerful portrayal of a family struggling in the gig economy, praised for its realism and emotional impact.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Ecumenical Jury Prize)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kris Hitchen drew upon his past experiences as a plumber to inform his portrayal of Ricky, adding authenticity to the character’s struggles.”
• “The film was shot in Newcastle upon Tyne, using real locations to enhance the realism and capture the atmosphere of the working-class environment.”
• “Ken Loach is known for his social realism and often casts non-professional actors to bring a sense of authenticity to his films.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sorry We Missed You?

Sorry We Missed You is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability. It is often also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray for those who prefer physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sorry We Missed You, you might like these similar films:

• I, Daniel Blake (2016): Another Ken Loach film that tackles the struggles of the working class and the failures of the social welfare system in the UK.
• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): Deals with similar themes of economic hardship and a parent’s struggle to provide a better life for their child, albeit in an American context.
• Bicycle Thieves (1948): An Italian neorealist classic that portrays the desperation of a working-class father trying to survive in post-war Italy.

🛒 Sorry We Missed You Related Products

• Ken Loach at the BBC [DVD]: A comprehensive collection of Ken Loach’s early work for the BBC, showcasing his roots in social realism and highlighting his commitment to telling the stories of ordinary people. Includes documentaries and dramas from the 1960s and 1970s.
• Class Dismissed?: Austerity and Education: Documentary film about the impact of austerity measures on the education system in the United Kingdom. It features interviews with teachers, students, and parents, highlighting the challenges faced by schools and families.
• I, Daniel Blake [Blu-ray]: Ken Loach’s award-winning film about a middle-aged carpenter who requires state welfare after injuring himself and is joined by a single mother in a similar struggle. A powerful and moving story of resilience and human dignity.
• The Condition of the Working Class in England: Friedrich Engel’s study of the British working class. Provides historical context to this film

🎧 Soundtrack

Sorry We Missed You features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Know How” – performed by Young MC

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You Missed One Of The Best (And Most Haunting) Movies of 2019

Ever feel like you missed a hidden gem? This video dives deep into why this movie is considered one of the best and most haunting of 2019. Honestly, after watching this, I understood the movie on a whole new level – you should check it out!

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