A story about a troubled boy growing up in England, set in 1983. He comes across a few skinheads on his way home from school, after a fight. They become his new best friends, even like family. Based on experiences of director Shane Meadows.

On his own again after the gang was broken up by Combo's terrifying acts of violence, hapless Shaun is a magnet for trouble. Then a chance encounter reunites him with Woody, Lol, Smell and the others and soon the past is forgotten. The gang are back together and they're all looking for love, a laugh, a job and something that resembles a future.