Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama

Rocks (2021): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Rocks (2021) movie poster

Rocks is a 2021 drama directed by Sarah Gavron, starring Ruby Stokes, Sarah Niles and Bukky Bakray. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes. It won 1 award from 9 nominations, including Best Casting at the BAFTA 2021. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
award won
1
Echo Score
88
Rocks (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Sarah Gavron
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Rocks About?

The premise of Rocks without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

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.

Rocks Themes & Keywords

· 29 tags
  • girl
  • child abandonment
  • absent parent
  • teenage girl
  • younger brother
  • council flat
  • london england
  • bad decision
  • resilience
  • school friend
  • title directed by female
  • coming of age drama
+17 more
  • teen drama
  • hackney london
  • brother sister relationship
  • east end london
  • friendship
  • housing estate
  • mother abandons daughter
  • school uniform
  • african anglo
  • friendship between girls
  • rooftop
  • 15 year old
  • mentally ill mother
  • absent mother
  • school
  • coming of age
  • little brother
Cast & crew

Rocks Cast

Ruby Stokes leads the cast, with Sarah Niles and Bukky Bakray. Directed by Sarah Gavron; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Rocks Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Rocks 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in character & emotion (95) and weakest in rewatch factor (80).

88 /100

Rocks Echo Score Breakdown

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.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    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.

  • Character & Emotion 95

    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.

  • Story & Flow 88

    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.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    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.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    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.

Plot

Rocks Plot Summary

What happens in Rocks from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

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.

Full summary

The whole story of Rocks, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Awards

Rocks Awards & Nominations

Rocks won 1 award from 9 nominations, including Best Casting at the BAFTA 2021. Its biggest night was the BAFTA 2021, with 1 win from 7 nominations.

1 win9 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Rocks Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 8 featurettes.

All 10 videos
ROCKS - OFFICIAL TRAILER - COMING SOON
  • Clip
  • Featurette ROCKS Cast and Crew Q&A | TIFF 2019
  • Featurette ROCKS | Special Presentation | BFI London Film Festival 2019
  • Featurette Making Rocks - The Story Behind The Movie | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Rocks?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What city does the movie take place in?

Seen Rocks?

FAQ

Rocks FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Rocks, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Rocks?

Rocks runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Rocks released?

Rocks was released on February 1, 2021.

Who directed Rocks?

Rocks was directed by Sarah Gavron.

More films by Sarah Gavron

Who is in the cast of Rocks?

Rocks stars Ruby Stokes, Sarah Niles and Bukky Bakray, among 10 credited actors.

How is Rocks rated?

Rocks has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 95 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

What awards did Rocks win?

Rocks won 1 award from 9 nominations, including Best Casting at the BAFTA 2021.

Does Rocks have a post-credit scene?

No. Rocks has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app