'Rocks (2019)' is a social-realist film that follows a teenage girl who has to take care of her younger brother when their mother suddenly leaves. It's a sort of kitchen-sink drama that feels so grounded - partly due to its subdued, no-frills performances and decidedly 'unscripted' feel - that it could almost pass as a bonafide documentary. It shines a light on an underrepresented segment of an often represented city, stripping London of the glamour (and even exaggerated grime) that it's often given in bigger productions. It's an important perspective to see. The film itself is rather slow going to begin with, though it's never boring or anything less than well-achieved. After a while, the piece settles into a faster pace and starts to hit you with some proper emotional punches. It's here that it really starts to shine, building towards an affecting yet appropriately subdued finale. It's well-made stuff, with really great first-time performances and an effective balance between sorrow and joy. It isn't all that exciting, per se, but it's engaging and important. It's a bit slow at times, yet it works well as a whole. 6/10
Review of Rocks
