Free-spirited and resilient, Joy is nevertheless struggling to cope while her brutal husband is in jail. Clutching at any slight chance of happiness, she falls for her husband’s associate. Joy and her son decide to move in with him in the hope of a better future—but with heart-breaking results.

Starring the magnificent Carol White and Terence Stamp, Ken Loach’s debut feature packs his recognizable political punch but adds emotional fervor. An empathetic look at the life of a single mother, the film is also a singular portrait of working-class life that is far removed from Swinging London.