Poppy, a 30-year-old school teacher, is an eternal optimist, always playful and frank. While she helps others and pursues her hobbies, she is also being misunderstood. When she starts taking driving lessons from Scott, a downbeat instructor, he believes her levity reflects a lack of seriousness.

Mike Leigh’s award-winning delight counters the tedium of common-sense British conservatism with a colorful education in letting go and having fun. Sally Hawkins beams at the warm, humanist center of the film, shrugging off the blues as she goes head-to-head with an unforgettable Eddie Marsan.