With characters that remind you of school days and a heartfelt example of sisterhood, Rocks is both a feel-good and tear-jerker in one.
By Amy Hollywood
Banter, determination and realness: Rocks accurately portrays life growing up in London as young women of colour. A touching coming of age film, the story follows Shola nicknamed Rocks (Bukky Bakray) as her single mother abandons her, leaving her to care for her younger brother Emmanuel (D’angelou Osei Kissiedu).
Initially released this time last year in the Toronto International Film Festival, director Sarah Gavron (Suffragette) was highly praised for turning a story of pity into one of resilience. Luckily for us, Rocks is out now on Netflix, quickly becoming a talking point since its delayed release on 18th September 2020.
Full of heartfelt and relatable moments, here are some scenes that made us laugh but also ones that brought us close to tears. Who doesn’t love a film that can do both?
1. The food fight you’ve always wanted
When thinking of food fights in films, Miss Trunchbull’s pelting in Matilda and the chaotic canteen food fight in Bratz: The Movie, are two of many that come to mind. Although not as iconic, this scene is hilariously accurate. If you ever wondered what would’ve happened if you threw food at that annoying classmate, now you know.
2. “You have everything”
In a refreshing representation of Somali culture, we see a glimpse into the life of best friend Sumaya (Kosar Ali). Ever had a friend that seems to have it all? Resulting in an emotional argument, the rawness here stirs all kinds of feelings. Another authentic scene with relatable phrases which puts us in their shoes as we think of times we’ve had similar arguments.
3. Sumaya’s dance moves
Whether in short clips or Snapchat-style montages Sumaya is always turning up! It’s said that improvised scenes are some of the best and the outcome of this film confirms it. The cast worked collaboratively while making the film and those unscripted interactions pay off in moments like these.
4. The sad reality of racism
A bad encounter sheds light onto racism within ethnic minority groups. “The only thing you people know” is just one of the degrading things shouted at Rocks as a young black woman. Knowing that this isn’t just a scenario for the big screen, this short but powerful scene brings attention to racism seen in today’s society.
5. Sneaking through train barriers (we’ve all been there)
Let’s just say that sneaking six people through train station barriers with only one ticket is not the easiest activity. We laugh with the cast as they mischievously bend the rules, definitely not uncommon with London’s train prices!
From a small selection of standout moments, it’s clear that Rocks is paving the way for new coming of age films. Full of diverse voices and displaying multicultural lives within the main cast, young girls from across the UK can relate. This film represents girls in a positive light who usually have a damaging narrative in mainstream media or are excluded completely.
Rocks is available to watch now on Netflix for a small subscription fee.
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