2020-04-01_Total_Film

T

his is no geology lesson. The ‘Rocks’ in

question is the nickname of a girl who’s our

entry point into director Sarah Gavron’s

impressively realistic account of teenage life in

east London. It’s a low-key, believable story, energised by

its young cast and fresh perspective.

Rocks is left to look after Emmanuel,

while also managing the demands of a

pivotal point in school life, which sends

her on a picaresque journey through

a London that’s not seen on film

frequently enough. Cinematographer

Hélène Louvart captures the action in

an almost docu-style approach. The

unshowy filmmaking makes you a fly

that’s not so much on the wall as

buzzing along with them.

At times it’s tough viewing – Rocks

spends some time in a dingy hotel, and

the ‘threat’ of social services looms

large. There’s also the combustible and

sometimes brutal nature of teen

friendships to consider. But the film

never feels exploitative. Partly that’s

because Gavron and Louvart capture

urban London in an unsanitised but

wholly cinematic light. This is not

Richard Curtis’ neck of the woods.

Credit is also due to the ingenious

work of casting director Lucy Pardee,

assembling a line-up of unknown,

untested young talent to lead the film.

Their naturalism brings the film to life,

intensifying the docu-vibe. They’re

entirely believable as a social circle;

Gavron and writers Theresa Ikoko and

Claire Wilson built the story around

their young cast and it shows.

Bakray is the standout. She’s superb

as the resilient Rocks, whose strength

can’t always suppress her under-the-

surface struggles. She’s the kind of

character you’re always willing on.

Other cast members who deserve

highlighting include Kosar Ali, who

plays one of Rocks’ best mates, and

Kissiedu as Rocks’ kid brother and

reluctant charge.

Gavron’s previous film was the

well-intentioned but occasionally

heavy-handed period piece Suffragette.

While Rocks shares that film’s social

conscience, it’s handled with a much

lighter touch and is all the more

engaging for it. The sparse narrative

might be too pared back for some, but

Rocks is vital and immersive

filmmaking, with not an over-earnest

lesson in sight. Matt Maytum

THE VERDICT

A slice-of-life drama shot through

with an irresistible vibrancy. The cast

is wonderfully natural. It rocks.

Rocks (Bukky Bakray) lives in a flat

with her mother, Funke (Layo-

Christina Akinlude) and young brother,

Emmanuel (D’angelou Osei Kissiedu).

She’s part of a large friendship group at

her local high school, where her skills

with a make-up brush earn her a few

quid at break times. What there is of a

plot kicks off when Funke disappears

without warning, although this isn’t

an entirely new experience for Rocks.

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