326. Rocks; movie review

 

ROCKS

Cert 12

89 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language and moderate sex references

Rocks would have probably hit me harder if I hadn't had seen so many of these down-at-heel British dramas during the past year or so.

Nevertheless, I have to give a shout-out to director Sarah Gavron for raising the plight of the vulnerable and Bukky Bakray for the excellent execution of the title role.

Between them, they have presented poverty and depravation in Britain with searing realism.

The story centres on schoolgirl Rocks attempting to look after herself and her brother (D'angelou Osei Kissiedu) after their mother has a breakdown and leaves them to fend for themselves.

Rocks fears that social services will split them up so keeps up the pretence that her mum is still around and continues to attend school.

Indeed, that is where she gets her release, being a bright student but one who is lured into pushing the boundaries of accepted behaviour.

However, messing around at school is small beer compared to the difficulties at home and her rudimentary attempts to find a place for them to stay without attracting social services' attention.

Gavron gives an optimistic insight into the bonds made between diverse young people at school - the closest friends of Rocks are from very different background.

But they all find it hard to stick by her because she takes her inevitable frustrations out on them.

Indeed, when the pittance her mum has left runs out, she risks creating permanent enemies.

Could a teenager really survive with a younger brother in such circumstances and could social services be unaware?

I am afraid I believe that the answer could be yes.

Too many parents think of themselves before their children in modern-day Britain and young people are forced to make decisions which require experience they don't possess.

Sadly, some, in common with Rocks have to grow up fast.

Gavron is expert in getting that point across.

Reasons to watch: Gritty and credible

Reasons to avoid: Heart-rending scenes

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? There’s no legal age a child can babysit – but if you leave your children with someone who’s under 16 you’re still responsible for their wellbeing. 

The final word. Sarah Gavron: "The girls we met had all these stories come pouring out. At the schools in East London, the groups of school friends were like the one you see on screen. We were constantly trying to find a narrative to draw out from all the workshops and meetings." The Hot Corn

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