Make Up 2020

Ruth finds herself at a caravan park in Cornwall, where she is set to live with her boyfriend, Tom, who works there. Upon her arrival, she meets Shirley, the park manager, and Kai, the maintenance assistant. After being shown to Tom’s caravan by Kai, Ruth is thrilled to finally be with her boyfriend.

However, the morning reveals tensions as Tom heads to work, encouraging Ruth to seek a job from Shirley. Rather than pursuing employment, Ruth tidies the caravan, uncovering red lipstick on the mirror and long red hair in Tom’s clothes, sparking her suspicions. When she sees Tom conversing with a red-haired girl at the laundry, Ruth’s instincts push her to follow him, but she loses sight of him. A girl named Jade comes to Ruth’s aid with the laundry machine, offering a moment of comfort.

During dinner later that night, Ruth and Tom engage in an argument over her reluctance to speak with Shirley. When Ruth inquires about the red-haired girl, Tom’s refusal to answer heightens her anxiety. A dance between them briefly mends the evening until Ruth’s mind drifts back to the lipstick, prompting her to bite Tom in frustration.

The next day, Ruth takes the initiative to request a job from Shirley, who queries her work experience and reveals Ruth’s fear of water, stemming from her inability to swim. Encouragingly, Shirley states that the sea is a great healer and offers her a position working in the caravans, which brings a spark of joy to Ruth.

On her way home, Ruth unexpectedly encounters a German Shepherd, but Kai steps in to control the dog. Their conversation leads Ruth to inquire about Tom’s whereabouts, learning he’s off surfing. As the day unfolds, Ruth confronts Tom about his prolonged absence, only to find comfort in sharing that she got the job with Shirley.

Ruth’s work introduces her to both Kippa and Jade as they bond throughout their shifts. A trip to Jade’s caravan reveals an array of wigs and a striking red hairpiece, prompting Ruth to question if Jade wears them—she claims she does not. After a manicure session, Ruth, drawn in by Jade’s charm, attempts to ignite passion with Tom that night, yet he remains unresponsive, leaving her feeling despondent.

An inquiry about the neighbor’s name leads Ruth to discover that it is April, while Tom cryptically references Jade’s reputation, filling Ruth with curiosity. Her day turns emotional as she tries on a brown furry jacket at work, though she finds herself drawn into a chaotic swimming lesson with Kippa, intensifying her fears when she momentarily finds herself alone in the water.

On a pivotal day, Ruth excitedly informs Tom about her swimming experience, yet he chastises her for swimming without knowing how. This sparks tension, especially when Kai defends her, igniting an argument between Tom and Kai. The ensuing conflict hints at deeper issues simmering beneath the surface of their relationship.

After a chance encounter with Jade leads to an emotional dance, Ruth finds herself flustered and retreats when their chemistry almost ignites a kiss. Both women harbor feelings for one another, causing complications in Ruth’s current relationship. One night, Ruth discovers that April is missing, prompting a search party, which she joins alongside Jade, further deepening their bond.

Ruth’s growing discontent with Tom becomes evident, especially as she relates her experiences with Jade. Upon learning about the sealed-up caravans, Ruth’s frustrations mount. A troubling encounter in a separate caravan leads her to discover another clue about the enigmatic red-haired girl.

In a flashback to a moment of intimacy, Ruth ultimately tracks down April at the beach, revealing a significant moment of emotional vulnerability. With Tom increasingly bewildered by Ruth’s change in behavior, their connection strains further. The sound of the fox brings memories flooding back, as Ruth wrestles with her feelings amid the evolving dynamics of her life in Cornwall.

Ruth’s internal struggle culminates in a dramatic moment at the beach where she nearly drowns, symbolizing her tumultuous emotions. Jade is there to comfort her, offering warmth in contrast to Tom’s volatile behavior. In a crescendo of realization, Ruth escapes the confines of Tom’s cabin and transforms her look with a red wig and fur coat, ready to embrace her identity.

At a beach party, Ruth sheds her old self, emerging confident and alive as she dances, catching Tom’s eye while seeking out Jade. Their eventual kiss marks a critical shift, instigating a passionate encounter that encapsulates Ruth’s desires. Awakened in the morning beside Jade, Ruth gazes confidently toward the sea, sealing her burgeoning sense of self. As the film concludes, the serene image of Ruth smiling amid calm waters captures her journey toward acceptance and love, with Jade watching from the shore.