In the bleak landscape of 1983 England, a lost boy named Shaun found an unlikely family. Bullied and adrift, the thirteen-year-old stumbled into a world of skinheads, seeking belonging and a sense of purpose. This is where the story ofThis Is Englandbegins, a film now available to stream, and a cinematic touchstone of a generation.
But this wasn’t a simple tale of camaraderie. The arrival of Combo, chillingly portrayed by Stephen Graham, shattered the fragile peace. He wasn’t the welcoming, playful type like Woody and Lol; Combo was a force of darkness, fueled by violent ideology and determined to spread his hateful message. Graham’s performance isn’t just acting – it’s a visceral embodiment of simmering rage and prejudice.
Directed with unflinching honesty by Shane Meadows, the film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the era. It’s a coming-of-age story steeped in social unrest, exploring the allure of extremism and the devastating consequences of hate. Released in 2006,This Is Englandresonated deeply, sparking a series of equally powerful television sequels that delved even further into the lives of these characters.
Critics immediately recognized the film’s brilliance. It earned a remarkable 93% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, hailed as “one of the greatest films of the 21st century” by Common Sense Media and “nearly flawless” by the New York Times. Audiences overwhelmingly agreed, giving it a 90% “Popcornmeter” score – a testament to its captivating power.
The story didn’t end with the original film. Three subsequent miniseries followed Shaun and his friends as they navigated the turbulent years of 1986, 1988, and 1990. These seasons explored the lingering trauma of the past, the fracturing of relationships, and, inevitably, the haunting return of Combo.
For Stephen Graham, the role of Combo was profoundly impactful. He described the character as “a huge and important part of my life,” acknowledging that the film itself “changed my life.” He spoke of a bittersweet feeling at letting go of a role he’d inhabited for so long, a character he’d grown with over years of storytelling.
Shane Meadows, the visionary director behindThis Is England, has largely focused on television and music videos since his 2009 comedy,Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee. But he’s set to return to film next year with a new road trip movie,Chork, a project he describes as a “privilege” to create alongside writer Jack Thorne.
Thorne, who previously collaborated with Meadows onThis Is Englandand recently worked with Graham on the Netflix hitAdolescence, is co-writingChork. Meadows promises a story filled with “bright, funny, and mischievously ingenious” characters embarking on an unforgettable journey across the country.
This Is Englandisn’t just a film; it’s a cultural artifact, a raw and honest portrayal of a pivotal moment in British history. It’s a story that continues to resonate, prompting reflection and sparking conversation long after the credits roll.
