Monray S

I have never written a review of a film before but for this one I actually have to. Rocks is a beautiful and stunning depiction of a lot of the lives of young people in London that isn't shown on screen. It is a heart-breaking, wholesome and real story of love and loyalty in family and friendship. The film is about a young girl's struggle to protect and provide for her younger brother after their Mum has taken some time to "clear her head". As Rocks is a student herself doing her GCSEs, she is overwhelmed with trying to care for her brother, thinking of how to get money and where to stay because social services is looking for them. She is unable to open up to her close friends which causes her even more mental stress, causing her to make certain choices. The incredible positive and varied representation of people of colour was portrayed so accurately. There are multi-ethnic characters ranging from Nigerian/Jamaican (Rocks, the main lead), Somali, Bengali and more. No part in the film felt scripted because the characters and the storyline felt so real. I feel that a large portion of East London is represented so realistically and the school scenes are too. Honestly, I have seen some really amazing films this year but Rocks is by far number one. Top tier. Emotions were high - tears were threatening to fall at multiple points during the film, switching between smiling and tearing up. The acting again - unrealistically real. The brother's acting (D'angelou Osei Kissiedu) is phenomenal as is Bukky Bakray and Kosar Ali's which is especially amazing as this is their debut. This film will stick with me and I cannot wait to see more from these actors and filmmakers.