Tom Courtenay portrays "Billy," a young man whose connection to what’s real seems fragile. He envisions himself as courageous and heroic in his dreams, but his everyday existence finds him working as a clerk for a funeral director and residing with his increasingly annoyed parents. His difficulties intensify as he tries to tell the difference between his actual life and the world of "Ambrosia" that exists in his imagination; as these fantasies grow, he becomes more detached from those around him. Ultimately, it seems only “Liz,” played by Julie Christie, might be able to guide him back toward his rather bleak and unyielding reality. Her planned move from rural Yorkshire to London could potentially provide a path forward for him—but he’ll have to make a choice and find the courage to do so, as much bravery as he demonstrates daily in his imagined realm. This is a well-assembled self-adaptation of Keith Waterhouse's play, featuring strong supporting performances from Wilfred Pickles and Mona Washbourne that quickly draw you into both of Billy’s worlds—a presentation that is simultaneously amusing and unsettling. It's evident that the young "Billy" is struggling; however, during an era when any kind of mental health challenges were heavily stigmatized, it’s hard not to feel empathy for his parents and for him as well. Christie brings a refreshing quality to her role—a character full of practicality, hope, and potential, seemingly intended to be the force that could shatter his fragile world. John Schlesinger lets these distinctive performances and this deeply human story flourish without unnecessary interference. Courtenay and Christie are both exceptional here, and it stands as an insightful exploration of aspects of human nature not often seen in film, making it a noteworthy piece.

Source on TMDB