Margaret Thatcher is a figure who continues to dominate discussions of modern British history. As the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, she left an indelible mark on politics, economics, and society. However, before she became the Iron Lady, she was a young woman trying to navigate a world where women in politics were few and far between. Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley, a BBC drama released in 2008, offers a fascinating exploration of this formative period of her life. The film portrays Thatcher’s journey from a bright and determined student in Grantham to her selection as the Conservative candidate for Finchley, highlighting her resilience, ambition, and intelligence.
This drama is not just a political biography; it is a story about ambition, gender, social class, and the challenges faced by a woman determined to break through entrenched societal norms. With Andrea Riseborough in the lead role, the film offers an engaging, humanized portrait of Margaret Thatcher before she became a household name.
Early Life and Ambition
The film begins in the early 1950s, a time when Britain was still recovering from the Second World War. Society was rigidly structured, and political power was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Margaret Roberts, as she was then known, had already demonstrated remarkable academic ability and ambition. Her father, Alfred Roberts, a grocer and local alderman, instilled in her values of hard work, self-reliance, and civic responsibility. These formative experiences are depicted in the film as the foundation of the qualities that would later define her political career.
Margaret’s early ambition is palpable. From her work as a research chemist to her involvement in local Conservative Party activities, the film emphasizes her determination to succeed in a world that often dismissed women as serious political contenders. Her intellect, eloquence, and drive made her stand out, but also left her vulnerable to scrutiny, skepticism, and occasional condescension from men who underestimated her.
The Challenges of a Woman in Politics
One of the most compelling aspects of The Long Walk to Finchley is its portrayal of the systemic barriers Thatcher faced. The Conservative Party in the 1950s had very few female MPs, and women were often relegated to marginal roles or judged more for their appearance and marital status than their ideas or abilities. The film depicts numerous selection interviews where Margaret’s candidacy is questioned, not on the basis of her policy proposals, but on her gender, youth, and perceived social standing.
These obstacles are both external and internal. Margaret is forced to navigate a male-dominated system while also confronting her own self-doubt and ambition. Her journey illustrates that political success requires not only talent but also resilience and strategy. The repeated rejections and dismissals she faces in the film are shown not as deterrents, but as fuel for her determination.
Denis Thatcher and Personal Support
A significant subplot in the film is the relationship between Margaret and Denis Thatcher, portrayed by Rory Kinnear. Their meeting and subsequent marriage are depicted as a partnership based on mutual respect and intellectual compatibility. Denis is shown as pragmatic, supportive, and emotionally intelligent—qualities that complement Margaret’s intensity and drive.
The film portrays their relationship with nuance, highlighting how Denis provides emotional stability and encouragement, allowing Margaret to pursue her ambitions with confidence. Unlike stereotypical portrayals of political spouses, Denis is not overshadowed by Margaret, nor is he her foil. Instead, he represents an essential source of personal support, showing how personal relationships can influence professional success, especially in high-pressure environments like politics.
Politics in Post-War Britain
The backdrop of the story is critical to understanding Margaret Thatcher’s political awakening. Post-war Britain was a country in flux: the Labour government had introduced sweeping reforms including the NHS and nationalization of industries, and the Conservative Party was seeking to redefine itself in response. The film captures this historical context with precision, illustrating how Thatcher’s political ideology was shaped by the intersection of personal values and broader societal trends.
Her experiences in this era highlight her pragmatic approach to politics. She is shown carefully considering policy, party alignment, and public perception. The film underscores that her eventual success was not merely a product of ambition but also of careful calculation and strategic thinking.
The Road to Finchley
The “long walk” in the film’s title is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, it refers to her campaign and efforts to secure selection for the Finchley constituency. Metaphorically, it represents the perseverance, patience, and determination required to overcome the social and political obstacles she faced.
The drama builds tension through the selection process, showing Thatcher confronting local party skepticism, competing candidates, and internal doubts. Her eventual selection is a pivotal moment, marking the transition from an ambitious aspirant to a credible political candidate. The film emphasizes that this achievement, though seemingly small in the context of her later career, required immense resilience and strategic skill.
Andrea Riseborough’s Portrayal
Andrea Riseborough’s performance is a standout in the film. Rather than mimicking Thatcher’s later, more familiar public persona, Riseborough captures the formative, evolving Margaret. She portrays Thatcher as ambitious but human, witty yet vulnerable, and relentless yet capable of self-reflection.
Riseborough conveys the tension between Thatcher’s personal and professional life, showing how her ambition both isolates her and drives her forward. The subtlety of her performance ensures that viewers understand Thatcher’s complexity without reducing her to caricature or legend.
Balancing Humor and Drama
The film is notable for its balance of humor and drama. While it deals with serious themes—gender inequality, political ambition, social mobility—it often uses wit and irony to underscore the absurdities of the political environment. The humor makes the story accessible, while the drama ensures that the stakes are never trivialized. This balance allows the viewer to engage with Thatcher as a person, not just as a historical figure or political icon.
Themes: Gender, Class, and Ambition
The Long Walk to Finchley explores several recurring themes. Gender is central: Thatcher’s early career illustrates how women must navigate structural barriers and societal expectations to achieve professional success. Class is another critical theme. As the daughter of a grocer, Thatcher’s ascent in a political world dominated by the upper classes highlights the intersections of merit, opportunity, and social mobility.
Ambition and perseverance are overarching themes. The film emphasizes that Thatcher’s achievements were the result of consistent effort, careful calculation, and a refusal to accept rejection as permanent. These themes resonate beyond politics, offering viewers lessons about resilience and the pursuit of goals despite obstacles.
Relevance Today
Even more than a decade after its release, The Long Walk to Finchley remains relevant. It offers insights into the challenges faced by women in leadership, the dynamics of political ambition, and the personal sacrifices involved in public life. For contemporary audiences, the film serves as both a historical case study and a source of inspiration, demonstrating how determination, intellect, and strategic thinking can overcome entrenched barriers.
Conclusion
Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley is a nuanced, engaging, and insightful portrayal of the early years of one of Britain’s most consequential political leaders. By focusing on her formative period rather than her premiership, the film offers a fresh perspective on Thatcher’s character, highlighting the ambition, resilience, and intellect that would later define her career.
Andrea Riseborough’s performance, combined with sharp writing, historical accuracy, and deft direction, ensures that viewers see Thatcher as a complex human being rather than a caricature of power. The film reminds us that great leaders are shaped long before they assume office and that personal relationships, social context, and persistent effort all play crucial roles in achieving success.
For anyone interested in British history, women in politics, or the human side of leadership, The Long Walk to Finchley offers a compelling, thoughtful, and entertaining journey into the making of the Iron Lady. It is a story of perseverance, strategy, and ambition—a story that continues to resonate in a world still grappling with issues of gender, power, and political change.
