Made in Dagenham (2010)

Based on a real strike by women workers, Made in Dagenham depicts its protagonists as overcoming class and gender divisions, but its narrative of progress elides the subsequent effects of Thatcherism.

Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins) walks to the stage to give a speech at a trade union conference in Made in Dagenham (Sony Pics/Everett/Rex Features).

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This post is part of the ‘Rewound’ series of analyses of objects or episodes from cultural and political history.

Content warnings: Suicide; Domestic violence.

Spoiler alert: This analysis of the film Made in Dagenham and its themes reveals plot details for the purpose of enhancing that analysis.