The Riot Club 2015

As Alistair (character) and Miles, both boasting aristocratic lineage, embark on their inaugural year at Oxford University, the two students find themselves thrust into a world of academic rigor and social hierarchy. While Miles proves himself to be an affable and level-headed individual, readily offering to swap rooms when Alistair’s assigned quarters fail to meet with his parents’ approval, and begins courting Lauren, a working-class lass from the North with a fiery spirit, Alistair reveals himself to be an insecure, arrogant, and cold-hearted snob. The two become tutorial partners at Oxford, where Alistair’s disdain for Miles and his left-leaning politics is palpable.

Meanwhile, The Riot Club, an exclusive drinking club renowned for its hedonistic exploits and the notion that money can buy anything, begins a search for new recruits to maintain its roster of ten esteemed members, all hailing from private schools. Alistair receives an invitation from Harry, whom he had previously met during their inaugural term, while Miles is invited by Hugo, another member of the club. As Alistair finds a kindred spirit in Harry, who introduces him to his Uncle Jeremy (Tom Hollander), a senior MP, which Alistair aspires to emulate one day. After undergoing an unpleasant initiation process, both Miles and Alistair gain membership into The Riot Club.

As the club’s annual dinner takes place at the function room of a quaint country pub, Alistair and Miles are surprised to find themselves in each other’s company once more, with Alistair displaying his disdain openly. Despite initial excitement from the landlord, Chris, the group’s raucous behavior soon becomes a source of annoyance for the pub’s patrons, prompting some to leave. Chris is eventually placated by an arrangement whereby the club members agree to compensate him for their disruption, which he reluctantly accepts.

The evening takes a darker turn when Alistair, fueled by his arrogance, steals Miles’ phone and texts Lauren without his knowledge. Lauren subsequently arrives at the pub, much to Miles’ surprise, only to be propositioned by the club’s members, who insult her as she attempts to leave. As one of the club members assaults her, Miles struggles to rescue her as the others hold him back. Fortunately, Hugo intervenes, ordering the boys to cease their behavior and allowing Lauren to depart.

As the night wears on, Miles (seemingly defeated by the tragic events that have unfolded) remains stoic, his emotions locked away behind a veil of drunkenness. Meanwhile, Alistair’s fervor for his political ideals only intensifies, fueling a destructive spiral of chaos as he and Miles recklessly wreak havoc on the room. The arrival of Chris (who attempts to confront them about their behavior) is met with Alistair’s cruel condescension, as he hands Chris money that he refuses to accept, labeling him a spoiled brat and comparing him to vandals smashing shop windows for kicks. Alistair’s insults escalate into physical violence, with Miles and the others joining in to brutally assault Chris until he loses consciousness. As panic sets in among the group, Miles takes charge, calling for medical assistance.

The aftermath of their reckless actions sees the boys arrested, but they collectively decide not to cooperate with authorities, prioritizing the club’s reputation over individual accountability. The club convenes to discuss the incident, and in a shocking turn, they agree that Miles (as the newest member) should take the fall for the attack on Chris. Miles attempts to make amends with Lauren, only to be met with her icy rejection, leaving him forever silenced.

As the consequences of their actions begin to unfold, it becomes clear that Alistair’s fate is sealed. His arrest and expulsion from Oxford serve as a stark reminder of the devastating repercussions of his actions. Meanwhile, Miles, having narrowly escaped being forced to leave university due to the scandal, makes the difficult decision to distance himself from the club.

In the aftermath, Miles receives an unexpected visit from the new president of the Riot Club, Guy Bellingfield (who extends an offer for him to rejoin next year). However, Miles has already reached a turning point, choosing to sever ties with the club and its toxic culture. His decision is met with mocking disdain by the new president.

The film concludes with Alistair emerging from a meeting with Jeremy in London, his expression transformed into a self-assured smirk as he exits onto the city streets.