London 1982 and the revolution foreseen by the generation of '68 has still not come about. Instead, a Conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher is in power, basking in glory after the Falklands War. But the rank and file fight on, amongst them 'floating socialist' Simon Hayes and Trotskyist revolutionary Tony Maloney. Active in their union, they battle against management, union bureaucrats, other left wing groups and the government. And both are involved in personal relationships which complicate their lives further during the winter and spring of 1983 as a general election draws near. With empathy and humour, Downturn portrays the lives of far-left activists in ongoing day-to-day struggle.