In 1960s England, a young delinquent from a working-class neighborhood is sent to a reform school after being caught stealing. There, he faces the harsh routine of institutional life, surrounded by other lost boys and a system that cares little for their well-being. The protagonist, with his rebellious spirit and an innate ability to run, finds in athletics an outlet for his frustration and a way to challenge his oppressors. As he confronts the coaches and the pressure of the reform school, his natural talent earns him the attention of the staff.
However, his run is not just a means to success; it becomes a metaphor for the boy's internal conflict. On one hand, he seeks the approval of the reform school's director, who sees him as a promise for the future; on the other, he struggles against conformity and the expectations placed upon him. The final competition becomes the emotional climax, where the young man must decide between meeting the system's expectations or reclaiming his individuality and dignity.
Set against a backdrop of disillusionment and despair, this story reveals the struggle of a young man trying to find his voice in a world that seems intent on silencing him. Through his journey, the film explores themes of freedom, resistance, and the search for identity in an oppressive environment, raising questions about the value of personal resistance against social norms.