Part of the new wave of British filmmaking, Tony Richardson’s film follows Jo, a young, working-class woman (Tushingham), as she attempts to free herself from a domineering and promiscuous mother. In her search for alternative companionship and support, Jo moves in with a gay man and begins a sexual relationship with a black sailor. Through her ensuing experience, the film explores issues of homosexuality, race, class, family, and teenage pregnancy. Despite the multitude of social issues, the film is marked by the complexity of its characters, and Jo emerges as a paragon of truthfulness and individuality.