This Is England 88

BAFTA Award Winner Shane Meadows (This is England, Dead Man’s Shoes) returns with this dramatic follow up to the critically acclaimed TV spin-off This is England ’86. This is England ’88 takes place 2 years on from its predecessor, and continues to chronicle the lives of a group of friends from working class England as they each deal with their own separate issues and tribulations. These days the group isn’t the same as it was. Shaun is studying drama at college and preparing himself for a Christmas production. Woody has a new girlfriend and has distanced himself from the group. Combo is in prison after taking the rap for the murder of Mick, and Lol is struggling to bring up her child with little help from the father, Milky. As Christmas approaches, each person’s life is tested in different ways. Shaun is faced with temptation as he becomes close to his drama buddy Fay, Woody begins to miss his old life but struggles to come to terms with Milky’s betrayal, and Lol begins to fear for her sanity when visions of Mick begin haunting her wherever she goes. -M.F.