Starter for 10 2007
Directed by
Tom Vaughan
Made by
Picturehouse Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Starter for 10 (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1985, Brian Jackson finds himself as a first-year university student engrossed in English Literature, ever eager to absorb knowledge. Having grown up in a working-class background in Southend-on-Sea, he has always been a fan of the TV quiz show University Challenge, famous for its motto, > “Your starter for 10…”. Upon his arrival at Bristol University, Brian attends a gathering where he meets the politically-aware Jewish student, Rebecca, instantly feeling a profound connection. Eager to join the University Challenge team, he faces disappointment when his good-hearted act of helping Alice, a dramatic student, leads to his own disqualification from the quiz team.
Caught in a web of romantic confusion, Brian is drawn to the captivating Alice, even as she shows signs of wanting to remain friends. As the semester kicks off, unexpected luck comes his way when a team member falls ill, allowing him a chance to join the quiz team. The captain, Patrick, a rather arrogant post-graduate in mechanical engineering, has been in a position of leadership despite a lack of success on the show. Joining the team is (Lucy), an American medical student from Minneapolis, bringing her unique perspective. Throughout this journey, Brian demonstrates his deep trivia insight, and his increased presence leads Alice to invite him to her family’s cottage in Norfolk for Christmas.
However, a disastrous turn occurs when Brian, attempting to impress Alice, ends up under the influence during an awkward family gathering, leading to unfortunate embarrassment. Returning to Bristol for the holiday, he fortuitously runs into Rebecca again. Their mutual attraction reignites, but an ill-timed slip where Brian mistakenly calls her “Alice” upsets her, and he inadvertently ruins the moment. As Brian seeks guidance from his Southend friend Spencer, who’s entangled in legal troubles, he invites him to a party just before his court date.
At the party, tensions flare when Patrick, looking down on Spencer’s background, provokes a confrontation that disrupts the festivities. Following this, Brian tries to mend fences with Rebecca, but she senses his lingering affection for Alice and nudges him to express his feelings. Summoning his courage, he goes to Alice’s flat to confess his love but discovers that Spencer has been invited back after his spirited defense at the party, leaving Brian feeling betrayed.
Plagued by sadness, Brian struggles to focus on his studies and University Challenge practice, jeopardizing his academic future. Frustrated, Patrick chastises him before their crucial quiz match, prompting Brian to lash out. In a moment of chaos, he knocks himself out with a headbutt, only to be revived by Rebecca just in time for the show.
As the competition begins, Brian’s nerves seem to wane, allowing him to shine with his knowledge. However, fate takes a turn when he inadvertently buzzes in with the answer to a question he had previously read, leading to disqualification for his team.
Returning home disheartened, Brian isolates himself until Spencer reaches out, sharing positive news and expressing his pride in Brian’s ambition. Motivated by this support, Brian recommits to his studies and heads back to Bristol**, resolving to seek out Rebecca. He finds her participating in a political demonstration, takes a leap of faith, and asks if she can forgive him for his past mistakes. Her reply is clear, and in a moment of genuine connection, they share a kiss, hinting at the possibilities of a new beginning.
Timeline
Track the key events of Starter for 10 (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Brian Becomes a Student
In 1985, Brian Jackson begins his journey as a first-year student at Bristol University, immersing himself in the world of English Literature. Eager to learn and grow, he dreams of proving himself in academic competitions like University Challenge.
Meeting Rebecca
At a university gathering, Brian meets Rebecca, an intellectually stimulating and politically aware student. Their instant connection sparks Brian's interest, drawing him into the complexities of university life and relationships.
Disqualification from Quiz Team
Excited to join the University Challenge team, Brian's hopes are dashed when a kind gesture to help another student named Alice results in his disqualification. This setback marks the beginning of his romantic entanglement and academic struggles.
Joining the Quiz Team
As luck would have it, Brian gets a second chance to join the quiz team after a member falls ill. Now under the leadership of the arrogant captain Patrick, Brian finds himself at the heart of a competitive yet socially charged environment.
Invitation to Norfolk
After showcasing his impressive trivia knowledge, Alice invites Brian to her family's cottage in Norfolk for Christmas. This invitation represents a significant step forward in their complicated relationship, full of unspoken romantic tensions.
Awkward Family Gathering
During his time in Norfolk, Brian tries to impress Alice at a family gathering but inadvertently embarrasses himself under the influence of alcohol. This unfortunate incident complicates his feelings for Alice and pushes him further into emotional turmoil.
Reuniting with Rebecca
After returning to Bristol, Brian unexpectedly runs into Rebecca, reigniting the mutual attraction they once shared. However, his nervousness leads to a blunder when he mistakenly calls her 'Alice', souring the moment between them.
Spencer's Legal Issues
Seeking advice, Brian reaches out to his friend Spencer, who is struggling with his own legal troubles. Brian decides to invite Spencer to a party as a show of support, unaware of the upcoming tensions it will spark.
Party Confrontation
At the party, Patrick makes disparaging remarks about Spencer's background, leading to a heated confrontation that disrupts the festivities. This incident reveals the underlying class tensions among the students and tests Brian's loyalties.
A Turn to Alice
Following the party, Brian tries to patch things up with Rebecca but is reminded of his unresolved feelings for Alice. He ultimately musters the courage to confess his love but finds himself betrayed when Spencer's presence complicates the situation.
Academic Struggles
Devastated by the recent events, Brian finds it increasingly difficult to focus on his studies and competes in University Challenge. As his grades plummet, he faces the risk of jeopardizing his future academic aspirations.
Headbutt Incident
During a moment of frustration before a crucial quiz match, Brian lashes out at Patrick and accidentally headbutts himself. This chaos results in him being knocked unconscious, creating a dramatic moment before the competition begins.
Quiz Match Disqualification
As the University Challenge begins, Brian finds his confidence and shines with his extensive knowledge. Unfortunately, his success is short-lived as he accidentally buzzes in with a previously read answer, leading to disqualification for his entire team.
Reconnection with Spencer
Back home, Brian isolates himself in disappointment until Spencer reaches out with encouraging news. Feeling uplifted by his friend's support, Brian resolves to re-engage with his studies and pursue a more positive path.
Seeking Forgiveness
Finally, Brian seeks out Rebecca, who is now participating in a political demonstration. Mustering up all his courage, he asks for her forgiveness for past mistakes, leading to a heartfelt moment where they share a kiss, symbolizing new beginnings.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Starter for 10 (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Brian Jackson (James McAvoy)
Brian is an eager first-year university student with a passion for English Literature, constantly torn between ambition and romantic interests. His working-class background influences his determination, but he often finds himself entangled in awkward situations that lead to personal setbacks. Throughout the film, Brian's growth is marked by his pursuit of knowledge and meaningful connections.
Alice
Alice is a dramatic and captivating student who becomes the object of Brian's affections. While she initially seems interested in a friendship, her complexities add layers to Brian's romantic dilemmas. Her family dynamics and the holiday gathering present challenges that further complicate Brian's pursuit of love.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a politically-aware Jewish student whose connection with Brian provides moments of genuine attraction amid the chaos. Her intelligence and assertiveness draw Brian in, yet their relationship is tested by misunderstandings and timing. Ultimately, she represents a potential new beginning for Brian.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Starter for 10 (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1985
The mid-1980s were marked by a surge in youth culture and university life, as students began to explore personal identity amidst changing social norms. This period also saw the rise of quiz shows, embodying a fascination with intellect and competition. As such, the setting of 1985 plays a crucial role in shaping the film's themes of ambition and romantic entanglement.
Location
Southend-on-Sea, Bristol University, Norfolk
Southend-on-Sea is a traditional coastal town known for its amusement park and long pier, representing Brian's humble beginnings. Bristol University serves as the central hub of academic and social life in the film, where students navigate personal growth and competition. Norfolk, with its picturesque countryside, serves as a setting for family gatherings, highlighting themes of connection and tension during holiday visits.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Starter for 10 (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
❤️
Romance
Romance plays a pivotal role in Brian's journey, as he navigates his feelings for both Alice and Rebecca. His romantic pursuits often lead to confusion and complications, showcasing the complexities of young love. The film captures the excitement and challenges of seeking genuine connections during formative years in university.
💼
Ambition
Ambition is a central theme, particularly in Brian's pursuit of joining the University Challenge team. His desire to prove himself academically is mirrored in his romantic efforts. The drive to succeed intersects with personal relationships, emphasizing the sacrifices and consequences that accompany ambition.
🤔
Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a recurring theme as Brian grapples with his identity and aspirations throughout the film. His experiences at university serve as a catalyst for personal growth, illustrating the journey to find one's place in the world. The challenges he faces push Brian to reflect on his values, leading to significant transformation.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.