Billy Elliot

Family

The relationship between Billy’s family members is central to the film. The Elliot family has experienced the loss of Billy’s mother before the events of the film. Her absence casts a shadow over the family, contributing to their struggles and affecting the dynamics among family members. 

The sense of loss plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ emotions and relationships. Billy and his grandmother visit the grave often (00:14:18), and it seems that Billy is greatly affected by his mother’s death. He mentions her often and points out to Jackie or Tony what his mother would have done if she were alive.

The relationship between Billy and his father, Jackie Elliot, is a focal point of the film. Initially, their relationship is strained due to their differing perspectives and expectations and is marked by misunderstandings and conflict. Jackie’s stress over the ongoing strike and the family’s financial struggles, as well as his traditional views clashing with Billy’s pursuit of ballet, leads to tension within the family.

Similarly, Billy’s relationship with his older brother, Tony, also undergoes tension due to the family’s circumstances and the miners’ strike. Despite the initial conflict, there are moments where Tony shows concern and support for his brother, highlighting the underlying bond between siblings.

The film also touches on the different family dynamics of Billy’s friends. For example, Debbie tells Billy or her parents’ marital struggles, that her dad lost his job and that he now drinks all the time and has cheated on Mrs. Wilkinson (00:32:21). Similarly, Michael tells Billy that his dad often dresses up in his wife’s clothes when he thinks no one is home. In this way, the movie shows different family dynamics in Billy’s community.