Unmasked Struggles: East End's Turmoil Under Thatcher's Era

In the movie Meantime, set in the early 1980s, the working-class family living in London's East End deals with the adverse effects of the recession under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government. The story mainly revolves around the mother, Mavis, who is the sole breadwinner in the family, and her struggle to keep the family afloat.

Mavis's husband, Frank, and their two sons, Colin and Mark, are all unemployed and reliant on welfare benefits, commonly known as being "on the dole." Colin is portrayed as a timid and chronically shy individual, struggling to find his place in an oppressive and economically challenging environment, whereas Mark is depicted as an outspoken and headstrong young man full of frustration and anger towards the system.

Amidst the family's financial hardships, Mavis's sister Barbara and her husband John stand in stark contrast. Barbara and John appear to lead a comfortable and affluent lifestyle, giving the impression of financial and social loftiness. However, their outward appearance masks the underlying unhappiness and dissatisfaction simmering within their lackluster marriage.

As the movie progresses, the stark realities of unemployment, poverty, and societal struggles begin to grow on the family, leading to heightened tensions and strained relationships. The film explores the dynamics between the two sisters, Mavis and Barbara, and their respective families, presenting a poignant portrayal of working-class life during a recession.

Through its characters and their interactions, Meantime delves into themes of social inequality, discontent, and the impact of Thatcher-era policies on everyday people. The movie offers an insight into the hardships faced by families like Mavis's, highlighting the personal and emotional toll of economic instability and social division in East End London.