All or Nothing Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A taxi driver and a supermarket worker rediscover love when their obese son has a heart attack, proving that family is all you need, even if you’re living in a bleak London council estate and have nothing else going for you.

🍿 All or Nothing: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Bassett Family

The film introduces Phil (Timothy Spall), a taxi driver, and Penny (Lesley Manville), a supermarket checkout worker, living in a modest South London flat. Their relationship has grown stagnant, marked by unspoken resentments and a lack of intimacy. Their children, Rachel and Rory, also contribute to the household’s dysfunction.

Daily Struggles and Disconnect

Rory, their overweight and unemployed son, spends his days glued to the television, creating a tense atmosphere with his constant demands and lack of ambition. Rachel, works as a care giver for elderly people, and has a sad outlook on life, seemingly from her home environment. Penny silently bears the burden of holding the family together, growing increasingly frustrated with Phil’s lack of drive and inability to provide emotional support.

Community Vignettes

Alongside the Bassetts, the film portrays the lives of their neighbors, each facing their own set of challenges. These include Maureen, a single mother dealing with her daughter’s pregnancy, and Ron and Carol, a couple battling alcoholism. These interconnected stories highlight the shared struggles and isolation within the working-class community.

Rory’s Medical Emergency

The central conflict escalates when Rory collapses due to a heart attack. This unexpected event forces the family and their neighbors to confront their emotions and re-evaluate their relationships. The crisis brings Phil and Penny face-to-face with their failing marriage and the emotional distance that has grown between them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Phil (Timothy Spall): A gentle and philosophical taxi driver struggling with depression and a failing relationship with his partner.
• Penny (Lesley Manville): A supermarket checkout operator who is exhausted by her family’s dysfunction and the lack of love in her life.
• Rory (James Corden): Phil and Penny’s overweight and unemployed son, who is verbally abusive and struggles with his health.
• Rachel (Alison Garland): Phil and Penny’s quiet and hardworking daughter, who works as a cleaner in a nursing home and feels invisible.
• Maureen (Ruth Sheen): A divorced supermarket cashier who is a friend and neighbor to Phil and Penny, offering support and a sense of community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Phil: “Funny, isn’t it? Love. If you’re not together, you’re alone.” – Phil reflects on the nature of love and loneliness during a quiet, introspective moment.
• Phil: “It’s…wotsitsname..kismet.” – Phil uses a more intellectual word but downplays it, reflecting his complex character.
• Penny: “What’s the point, eh? What’s the bloody point?” – Penny expresses her frustration and despair with their difficult life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $201,546
• Worldwide Gross: $2,847,049

💥 All or Nothing Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. ‘All or Nothing’ is a tough film because it feels so real. The characters are struggling, and it’s hard to watch them go through their daily grind. When Rory had his medical emergency, I felt a pit in my stomach. It really made me think about the importance of appreciating loved ones and finding connection, even when things are tough. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely a thought-provoking one that stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British social realism”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring family dynamics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of depression and emotional distress”
  • “Depiction of a medical emergency”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Mike Leigh’s ‘All or Nothing’ is a raw and unflinching look at working-class life. While it can be a difficult watch, the performances are superb, and the film offers moments of genuine emotional connection. Spall delivers a career-defining performance.
• Empire Magazine: “A typically bleak but powerful drama from Mike Leigh. The film is slow-paced and challenging, but the realism is captivating, and the acting is consistently excellent. The film’s strength is its character observation
• Sight & Sound: “Mike Leigh’s “All or Nothing” captures the mundanity and the small joys of working class families living in a bleak enviroment. The camera simply observes. The conditions are familiar: unemployment, teen pregnancy, isolation, and loss of self-esteem and despair. Timothy Spall’s performance is a revelation.

Audience Reactions

The raw and honest depiction of working-class life resonated deeply with viewers.: The film’s realism, especially the characters’ struggles, was praised for its authenticity and emotional impact.

Timothy Spall’s acting was widely celebrated as a standout performance.: Many viewers praised Spall’s portrayal of Phil, highlighting his ability to capture the character’s vulnerability and quiet strength.

Overall Consensus: A bleak but powerful drama that offers an unflinching look at working-class life in London. Though slow-paced and often depressing, the film is praised for its realism and exceptional performances, particularly from Timothy Spall and Lesley Manville.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mike Leigh is known for his improvisational approach, developing the story through workshops and rehearsals with the actors, without a traditional script at the start.”
• “The film explores themes of working-class life, communication breakdown, and the search for connection in a seemingly isolating environment, characteristic of Mike Leigh’s filmography.”
• “Many scenes were filmed on location in a real council estate in London, adding to the film’s sense of authenticity and realism.”
• “Timothy Spall’s performance was highly praised for its nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with depression and apathy.”

🖥️ How to Watch All or Nothing?

As a drama film that received critical acclaim, ‘All or Nothing’ can be streamed through various subscription services like the Criterion Channel or accessed through platforms that offer movie rentals and purchases such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All or Nothing, you might like these similar films:

• Secrets & Lies (1996): Also directed by Mike Leigh, this film explores family secrets and the complexities of human relationships in a working-class setting.
• Naked (1993): Another Mike Leigh film depicting the darker side of urban life and the struggles of marginalized individuals.
• Kes (1969): A British social realist drama that portrays the life of a working-class boy and his connection with a kestrel, offering a poignant commentary on social conditions.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief, communication, and working-class struggles in a realistic and emotionally resonant way.

🛒 All or Nothing Related Products

• Mike Leigh: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Explore the mind of Mike Leigh. This book offers insights into Leigh’s unique filmmaking process, including his improvisation techniques and his approach to character development, a must-read for fans of the director and aspiring filmmakers.
• East Enders Complete DVD Collection: Transport to the gritty streets of Walford, London. Experience decades of drama, unforgettable characters, and the everyday lives of the working class. Perfect for fans seeking authentic British storytelling.
• Working Class T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the movie. A comfortable and stylish way to express yourself and support the representation of working-class stories in film.
• The Mike Leigh Collection [Blu-ray]: Own a curated collection of Mike Leigh’s most acclaimed films, including ‘Secrets & Lies,’ ‘Naked,’ and ‘Life is Sweet.’ Experience the range of his storytelling and witness the evolution of his unique filmmaking style. A true collector’s item for cinephiles.

🎧 Soundtrack

All or Nothing features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Delilah” – performed by Tom Jones
• “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” – performed by Crystal Gayle

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

All or Nothing – O-Town (Lyrics)

Remember that iconic scene in ‘Maid in Manhattan’? This is the song! Check out the lyrics so you can sing along next time you watch it, because who doesn’t love a good early 2000’s throwback?

Ronan Keating – When You Say Nothing At All (Lyrics)

You know you remember this one! ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ perfectly captures the love felt between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. The lyrics are just so beautiful!

Blindness is a Spectrum and not all or nothing #blind #vision #misconceptions #awareness

Ever wondered exactly what being blind is like? This quick video gives you some insight. It’s pretty interesting to learn that blindness isn’t always what you expect, you might find it educational!

✨ Rate