Rocks

The deeply touching and genuinely inspiring British coming-of-age drama, Rocks, was released in 2019. With a naturalistic approach to storytelling, Rocks captures the spirit of youth and resilience with great sensitivity and grace, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer. The movie was directed by the acclaimed Sarah Gavron, and was developed through intensive workshops, with the help of the teenage cast who were all non-professional actors at the time.

The protagonist of the movie is a resilient teenage girl referred to as 'Rocks', brilliantly played by Bukky Bakray. Rocks is a dynamic, spirited and lovable character, endowed with an irresistible blend of strength, sense of humor, vulnerability, and vivacity. Residing in East London, she enjoys the everyday rhythms of teenage hood - fooling around with her friends at school, having giggle fits, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. However, her carefree life takes an abrupt turn when she is forced to confront a sudden, unsettling crisis.

Rocks returns home from school one day to discover that her mother has abruptly departed, leaving behind a cryptic note and some cash, while emotionally burdening Rocks with the responsibility of taking care of her much younger brother Emmanuel, convincingly portrayed by D'angelou Osei Kissiedu. As the sole caregiver, Rocks has to navigate through this daunting landscape, dealing with the terror of uncertainty, and the bitter reality of subsequent hardships.

In this challenging scenario, Rocks finds solace in her close-knit circle of school friends. Kosar Ali shines as Sumaya, Rocks' best friend who embodies unconditional love and support, genuinely caring for Rocks and proving to be her emotional anchor in distress. Rocks, in her desperation to appear okay, often pushes her friends away, but they continually rally around her, which forms the emotional core of the film.

One of the most commendable things about Rocks is the authenticity of its characters and the warmth in their interactions. The characters are beautifully fleshed-out and organic, and they leap off the screen with their sheer vitality and power. Their portrayal does not succumb to stereotypes, and they are not defined by their hardships, but rather by their determination, resilience, and the love they harbor for one another.

Rocks goes beyond the typical coming-of-age stories. It not only celebrates female friendships and their bond but also addresses complex issues like immigration, race, poverty, and the failing social welfare system, giving it a very genuine, human approach. It showcases a very real, raw, and poignant side of London that is often absent from the mainstream.

The movie is also visually compelling, with nearly every frame of it is bustling with raw energy. Its cinematography brilliantly captures the contrast between the vibrant diversity of the streets of London along with its grim realities.

The screenplay, co-written by Theresa Ikoko and Claire Wilson, is refreshing, driven by sparkling dialogue that reflects the genuine, chaotic nature of the adolescence it depicts. The combination of life-affirming humor and deeply impactful drama makes for a compelling viewing experience, making the audience laugh one moment, and then tug at their heartstrings the next. The naturalism in the dialogue fits well with the documentary-style shooting, highlighting the authenticity of the performances.

Bukky Bakray delivers a powerhouse performance, carrying the film on her young shoulders. Throughout the movie, her performance meticulously conveys a wide spectrum of emotions through her expressive eyes and body language, encompassing her joy, despair, resilience, and everything in between.

Rocks also excels in representing diversity in cinema, spotlighting the lives and challenges of women of color in a manner that is not often seen in mainstream cinema. The sensitivity with which each character is developed and depicted, all of whom have their unique cultural backgrounds and experiences, is remarkable.

In conclusion, Rocks is a hard-hitting yet ultimately uplifting film about resilience and friendship. It's about finding the strength to face life's hardest challenges and never giving up. It's an unforgettable portrayal of adolescent resilience, the power of community, and the unshakable bonds of friendship. This film is a much-needed breath of fresh air which offers its audience an authentic, poignant look at growing up in today's world.