This is England

This is an assured and razor-sharp recreation of Thatcherite Britain in the 80s, as seen through the eyes of Shaun, a young lad adrift in the adult world after losing his father during the Falklands Conflict. Bullied and singled out, he falls in with a local gang in this superb coming of age tale told with Meadows’ trademark energy, honesty and humour. Thomas Turgoose (a 13-year-old newcomer discovered by the director) gives a natural yet commanding performance as Shaun as he transforms from outcast underdog to fully fledged skin.