Once Upon a Time in the Midlands Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A small-time crook sees his ex reject a marriage proposal on TV, figures that’s his cue to win her back, and rides into town like a low-rent cowboy, only to find her new bloke isn’t *that* much of a pushover and his old criminal pals are rather annoyed he stole their clown-heist money.

🍿 Once Upon a Time in the Midlands: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Proposal on National Television

The film opens with Shirley (Shirley Henderson) and her partner Dek (Rhys Ifans) appearing on a daytime television talk show. In a public display, Dek proposes marriage to Shirley. Unexpectedly, Shirley turns down Dek’s proposal on air. This moment of public humiliation sets the stage for emotional turmoil and triggers events that bring a figure from Shirley’s past back into her life.

Jimmy’s Return to the Midlands

Miles away in Glasgow, petty crook Jimmy (Robert Carlyle), Shirley’s ex-husband and father of her daughter Marlene (Finn Atkins), watches the talk show. Seeing Shirley reject Dek’s proposal motivates him to return to the Midlands after years of absence. Believing he has a chance to reunite with Shirley and Marlene, Jimmy leaves Glasgow, having just pulled off a minor heist, absconding with the money and leaving his associates behind. His return is met with mixed reactions from his estranged family, including his foster sister Carol (Kathy Burke) and her husband Charlie (Ricky Tomlinson).

The Love Triangle and Family Conflict

Jimmy’s arrival immediately creates tension between him and Dek, who is still deeply in love with Shirley despite the public rejection. A love triangle forms as Jimmy attempts to re-establish himself in Shirley and Marlene’s lives. Marlene, having bonded closely with Dek over the years, is initially hostile towards her absent father. The family dynamics become strained as Shirley is torn between the comfortable, reliable Dek and the charismatic but unreliable Jimmy.

The Past Catches Up

Adding to Jimmy’s complications, the Glaswegian associates he abandoned after the heist follow him to the Midlands, seeking retribution and the stolen money. This subplot introduces a layer of external threat to the domestic drama. The presence of Jimmy’s former criminal friends heightens the stakes and leads to confrontations, forcing Jimmy to deal with the consequences of his past actions while trying to navigate his personal life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Billy (James Cosmo): One of Jimmy’s angry former crook friends from Glasgow who pursues him to the Midlands after being double-crossed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charlie: “My wife and I had an argument over whether or not I should have a vasectomy so we said we’d let the kids decide. I lost 13 – 12.” – Charlie recounts a comically absurd and slightly melancholic family anecdote during his appearance on the TV show.
• Dek: “Where’s me air rifle?” – Dek’s rather meek response upon first confronting the intimidating Jimmy after his unexpected return.
• Dek: “Please don’t do anything sexual.” – Dek, tied up by Jimmy’s pursuing associates, pleads with the tough gangster Billy, completely misinterpreting the threat.
• Shirley: “I just said ‘no’ because… I don’t know why I said ‘no’.” – Shirley attempts to explain to Dek why she publicly rejected his marriage proposal on the television show.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,950,000
• Domestic Gross: $172,564
• Worldwide Gross: $544,512

💥 Once Upon a Time in the Midlands Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Once Upon a Time in the Midlands’ expecting something maybe a bit heavy, given Shane Meadows, but wow, it’s got a really unique vibe. The whole ‘tinned spaghetti western’ idea sounds bonkers, but it actually works in parts, adding this weird layer to the everyday chaos. I absolutely fell for Rhys Ifans’ character, Dek. He’s such a sweet, awkward guy, and you really root for him against Robert Carlyle’s Jimmy, who’s kind of a charming disaster but also a total jerk sometimes. That scene where Dek tries to stand up for himself had me genuinely tense, and then oddly proud. The family dynamics felt incredibly real, messy and funny all at once. Ricky Tomlinson and Kathy Burke are brilliant as the slightly mad foster family. And Finn Atkins as the daughter, Marlene, is just incredible; she feels like the only adult in the room sometimes. The scene where she basically makes the big decision at the end was surprisingly powerful. Yeah, the plot gets a bit wobbly and the gangster subplot feels a bit tacked on, but honestly, spending time with these characters was the main draw. It’s definitely got its flaws, but it’s got heart and some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments mixed with the drama. Not Meadows’ masterpiece, maybe, but a really interesting and engaging watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British independent films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven comedy-dramas”
  • “Those interested in the work of director Shane Meadows”
  • “Audiences who enjoy ensemble casts featuring prominent British actors”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes (relationship conflict, abandonment)”
  • “Mild violence/criminal activity (petty crime)”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Accents may be challenging for some non-British viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Selected IMDb User Reviews: “Shane Meadows’ attempt at a Nottingham-set spaghetti western/comedy-drama has moments of brilliance, especially in the first half. The cast, including Rhys Ifans and young Finn Atkins, deliver standout performances. While it doesn’t fully commit to its western theme and the plot occasionally meanders, it offers engaging characters and glimpses of the director’s signature style. It’s enjoyable, though perhaps not reaching the heights of his earlier works.
• Selected IMDb User Reviews: “Despite a fantastic British cast, this film struggles to find its footing. The blend of comedy and drama feels uneven, and the “spaghetti western” angle is largely superficial. Robert Carlyle is somewhat miscast, lacking his usual charm, while Shirley Henderson’s character can be frustrating. The central love triangle and gangster subplot feel underdeveloped. It’s a disappointing effort that doesn’t live up to the talent involved or the director’s previous successes.
• Selected IMDb User Reviews: “This film offers enjoyable character interactions and touches of humor, particularly from Kathy Burke and Ricky Tomlinson. Rhys Ifans is particularly strong as the unassuming boyfriend. While the story feels a bit like a stretched-out TV drama and loses steam in the latter half, the performances, especially from the supporting cast and Finn Atkins, make it worth watching. It’s an accessible, albeit flawed, entry in Meadows’ filmography.

Audience Reactions

Rhys Ifans and young Finn Atkins earned significant praise for their performances.: Many viewers appreciated the quirky humor and the relatable portrayal of working-class family life, finding charm in the characters despite the sometimes weak plot.

The blend of comedy and drama, while uneven, resonated with some viewers.: The ensemble cast was a major draw, with Kathy Burke and Ricky Tomlinson’s comedic turns often highlighted as enjoyable moments.

The ‘spaghetti western’ elements added a unique, if not fully realized, flavour.: While some found the plot shallow or predictable, others enjoyed the film as a sweet, albeit slow, character-driven story with memorable performances.

Overall Consensus: A mixed bag from Shane Meadows; praised for strong performances and quirky charm, but criticized for a weak, uneven plot and not fully capitalizing on its unique genre blend.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Shane Meadows considers ‘Once Upon a Time in the Midlands’ something of a failure compared to his other work, reportedly taking a break from directing features afterwards until persuaded by Paddy Considine for ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’.”
• “Robert Carlyle insisted on a scene being removed from the script that originally involved his character Jimmy committing rape, feeling it was inconsistent with the character’s nature.”
• “Rhys Ifans’ character Dek drives a car with a vintage Welsh license plate from the late 1950s reading ‘DEK’, issued in Haverfordwest, Ifans’ birthplace.”
• “The film was intended by Shane Meadows to be the third part of his ‘Nottingham Trilogy’, following ‘TwentyFourSeven’ and ‘A Room for Romeo Brass’.”
• “Comedy duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer make a brief cameo appearance as two of the four clowns who are mugged in the opening sequence.”

🖥️ How to Watch Once Upon a Time in the Midlands?

Shane Meadows’ ‘Once Upon a Time in the Midlands’ may be available to stream on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or others depending on your region. You can often rent or purchase the film digitally through these services as well. Check your preferred digital storefronts for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, you might like these similar films:

• A Room for Romeo Brass (1999): Part of Shane Meadows’ ‘Nottingham Trilogy’, sharing the same setting, director, and focus on complex relationships within a working-class community.
• The Full Monty (1997): A beloved British comedy-drama focusing on working-class characters facing challenges with humor and heart, featuring Robert Carlyle.
• Trainspotting (1996): Features Robert Carlyle in a prominent, intense role, showcasing the grittier side of British life, though ‘Midlands’ is much lighter in tone.
• This Is England (2006): Another acclaimed film by Shane Meadows known for its authentic portrayal of British working-class life, blending difficult drama with moments of levity.
• Withnail & I (1987): A cult British comedy classic featuring quirky, often hapless characters and memorable dialogue, appealing to fans of eccentric British humor.

🛒 Once Upon a Time in the Midlands Related Products

• Once Upon a Time in the Midlands DVD/Blu-ray: Own a physical copy of this quirky British comedy-drama. Features include behind-the-scenes content and director interviews.
• Shane Meadows Film Collection: Explore the work of the acclaimed director, including films like ‘This Is England’ and ‘A Room for Romeo Brass’. See the evolution of his style.
• Best of British Comedy Film Collection: A curated selection of classic and contemporary British comedic films, showcasing the unique UK humor found in ‘Once Upon a Time in the Midlands’.
• Robert Carlyle & Rhys Ifans Film Bundle: Watch acclaimed performances from the film’s leads in other notable movies like ‘Trainspotting’, ‘The Full Monty’, ‘Notting Hill’, and ‘Human Nature’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Once Upon a Time in the Midlands features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Feels Like I’m in Love” – performed by Kelly Marie
• “Shoot the Moon” – performed by Norah Jones

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

🤨 FAQ

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