TV Movie,Comedy,Drama
United Kingdom
Meantime is a gritty and poignant drama directed by Mike Leigh, which takes a candid look at the harsh realities of life for working-class families in Thatcher's Britain. Set in the early 1980s, the film captures the sense of hopelessness and frustration that pervaded many households at the time, as they struggled to survive in a turbulent economic climate.
At the heart of the film is the dysfunctional Pollack family, who live in a cramped council flat in East London. Mavis works long hours in a factory to support her family, while Frank spends his days drinking in the local pub. Their two sons, Colin and Mark, are both unemployed and disaffected, with Colin in particular suffering from crippling social anxiety and depression.
While the family's day-to-day existence is a struggle, their lives are further complicated by the presence of Mavis's sister Barbara and her husband John, who represent a stark contrast to their humble circumstances. Barbara and John are financially well-off and socially connected, but their marriage is stagnant and unhappy, and they are unable to empathize with the struggles of their working-class relatives.
As the film progresses, tensions rise within the Pollack family, as Colin's mental health deteriorates and Mark becomes more rebellious and confrontational. Meanwhile, Barbara and John's marriage hits rock bottom, and they are forced to confront their own feelings of emptiness and disillusionment.
Meantime is a powerful and moving portrayal of life on the fringes of society, and the complex emotions and relationships that are shaped by poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The film's raw and unflinching portrayal of these issues, along with its incisive characterization and superb performances, have cemented its place as a classic of British cinema.
