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Rocks 2021

Runtime

93 min

Language

English

English

When her mother unexpectedly abandons her and her younger brother, a teenager in London must confront a difficult new reality. Thrust into a position of responsibility, she grapples with the challenges of providing for her family while dealing with their own emotional turmoil and the uncertainties of their future. She demonstrates remarkable strength and resilience as she tries to hold everything together.

When her mother unexpectedly abandons her and her younger brother, a teenager in London must confront a difficult new reality. Thrust into a position of responsibility, she grapples with the challenges of providing for her family while dealing with their own emotional turmoil and the uncertainties of their future. She demonstrates remarkable strength and resilience as she tries to hold everything together.

Does Rocks have end credit scenes?

No!

Rocks does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Rocks

Explore the complete cast of Rocks, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Rocks

See how Rocks is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Rocks stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

88

The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of teenage camaraderie and resilience. Its observational direction and grounded production design support a narrative that feels immediate and true to life. Seamless editing maintains measured pacing while nuanced performances deepen emotional engagement. Understated sound design and a thoughtful soundtrack enhance the immersive atmosphere. Strong critical and audience responses emphasize its emotional resonance and realistic characters, resulting in a film that lingers well after the credits roll.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Rocks

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film employs a naturalistic approach with on-location cinematography that conveys raw authenticity. Production design remains understated yet effective, placing focus on real urban environments. Editing transitions smoothly between high-energy moments and quieter scenes, maintaining visual cohesion throughout. Overall, the film’s technical choices reinforce its observational style without drawing undue attention away from the story.

95
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the performances are uniformly compelling, particularly from the youthful cast. Acting is deeply immersive, with genuine chemistry and visible growth among friends. Emotional resonance is heightened by subtle expressions and unscripted-feeling interactions that anchor the narrative in reality. The depth of relationships portrayed on screen elicits empathy and investment, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs both believable and affecting.

88
Echo Score

Story & Flow

With regard to story and flow, the film presents a coherent narrative that balances moments of levity with more challenging themes. Pacing is measured, allowing space for character development while sustaining engagement through relatable conflicts. The plot follows familiar coming-of-age beats but infuses them with fresh, grounded perspectives that avoid cliché. Overall, the storyline feels both accessible and emotionally impactful, maintaining interest from start to finish.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In sensory terms, the score and soundtrack complement the film’s mood with understated, emotive cues. Sound design captures ambient street noise and intimate dialogue with clarity, reinforcing the sense of place. Visual style remains consistent, favoring natural light and a muted color palette to underscore realism. These elements cohere to create an immersive atmosphere that supports the narrative without overshadowing the performances.

80
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s emotional authenticity and strong performances offer lasting appeal on subsequent viewings. Relatable themes of friendship and responsibility invite reflection and renewed appreciation of character journeys. The intimate scale and genuine moments encourage viewers to revisit specific scenes for emotional resonance. While the film’s intensity may limit casual repeat viewing, its heartfelt storytelling ensures enduring relevance for appreciative audiences.

Metacritic

95

Metascore

6.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

97%

TOMATOMETER

review

81%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

66

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.2

From 28 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Rocks Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Rocks with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Rocks Quiz: Test your knowledge about the movie Rocks.

What city does the movie take place in?

Awards & Nominations for Rocks

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Rocks, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Rocks and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


74th British Academy Film Awards 2021

Sarah Gavron
Nomination

Best Director

Sarah Gavron
Bukky Bakray
Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Bukky Bakray
Kosar Ali
Nomination

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Kosar Ali
Nomination

Best Original Screenplay

Win

Best Casting

Sarah Gavron
Nomination

Outstanding British Film

Sarah Gavron
Nomination

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer

26th Critics' Choice Awards 2021

Bill Murray
Nomination

Best Supporting Actor

Bill Murray
Nomination

Best Comedy

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Rocks

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Read the complete plot summary of Rocks, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Rocks is a poignant story centered around a teenage girl navigating life in London alongside her younger brother, Emmanuel, and their single mother. With a close-knit circle of friends, everything changes when a disruptive new student, Roché, arrives at Rocks’ school and quickly forms an unexpected bond with her, much to the annoyance of Rocks’ loyal friends.

The situation takes a turn when Rocks’ mother unexpectedly leaves, only providing a letter with a promise to return and a meager envelope of cash. Struggling with her circumstances, Rocks hesitates to confide in anyone besides her best friend, Sumaya.

As Rocks heads home one day, she spots a social worker waiting outside her door, prompting her to seek refuge at Sumaya’s house. However, tensions flare between the two friends when Sumaya urges Rocks to seek adult help regarding her dire situation. Fueled by jealousy and frustration about Sumaya’s comfortable life, Rocks lashes out, insisting that she can cope on her own.

Isolated from her friends, Rocks begins to gravitate toward Roché. While skipping school together, Rocks uncovers Roché’s scheme of recording credit card details from clients at her step-mother’s salon to make quick cash. Seizing the opportunity, Rocks discreetly steals some of Roché’s money to fund a hotel stay, falsely presenting herself as Emmanuel’s mother to the hotel staff.

The situation escalates when Roché discovers the theft and publicly shames Rocks online, branding her a thief and revealing her family crisis to the student body. With the hotel staff realizing Rocks is still a minor, they forcibly evict her and Emmanuel. Desperate for shelter, Rocks turns to her friend Agnes for help.

The next day brings heart-wrenching news as Rock’s precarious living situation leads to social workers separating her from Emmanuel after Agnes informs her mother about the siblings’ plight. Ultimately, Rocks is placed in a foster home in London, while Emmanuel is sent to a home in Hastings. Despite the challenges, Rocks finds reconciliation with her friends, who rally together to gather funds for a train trip to see Emmanuel on his birthday. However, once she arrives and sees her brother’s newfound happiness, she can’t bring herself to disrupt his joy.

The film concludes with a touching scene of the girls joyfully playing on the beach, reflecting hope amidst their adversities.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Rocks

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Rocks. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


ROCKS - OFFICIAL TRAILER - COMING SOON

ROCKS Cast and Crew Q&A | TIFF 2019

ROCKS | Special Presentation | BFI London Film Festival 2019

Making Rocks - The Story Behind The Movie | Netflix

“Delete This!” The Rocks Cast Play The Best Friend Challenge | Netflix

Sarah Gavron on the teens behind ROCKS | TIFF 2020

ROCKS Q&A | BFI London Film Festival 2019

BEST OF Bukky Bakray, The YOUNGEST BAFTA Rising Star Winner | ROCKS | Altitude Films

BEST OF BIFA-Winner Kosar Ali as Sumaya | ROCKS | Altitude Films

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


girlchild abandonmentabsent parentteenage girlyounger brothercouncil flatlondon englandbad decisionresilienceschool friendtitle directed by femalecoming of age dramateen dramahackney londonbrother sister relationshipeast end londonfriendshiphousing estatemother abandons daughterschool uniformafrican anglofriendship between girlsrooftop15 year oldmentally ill motherabsent motherschoolcoming of agelittle brother

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