Rocks (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Rocks is a 2019 drama directed by Sarah Gavron, starring Bukky Bakray as Rocks, D'angelou Osei Kissiedu and Kosar Ali. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $628,654 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 86/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- Sarah Gavron
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Fable Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Rocks About?
The premise of Rocks without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
When Rocks' mother unexpectedly abandons her and her younger brother Emmanuel, the teenage girl desperately tries to keep their situation a secret. Fearing they will be separated and placed in care, Rocks, with the unwavering support of her close friends, must find a way to protect her family and navigate a critical period in their lives.
Rocks Themes & Keywords
· 29 tags- teenage girl
- friendship between girls
- absent mother
- coming of age
- little brother
- girl
- child abandonment
- absent parent
- younger brother
- council flat
- london england
- bad decision
+17 more Show fewer
- resilience
- school friend
- title directed by female
- coming of age drama
- teen drama
- hackney london
- brother sister relationship
- east end london
- friendship
- housing estate
- mother abandons daughter
- school uniform
- african anglo
- rooftop
- 15 year old
- mentally ill mother
- school
Rocks Cast & Characters
Bukky Bakray leads the cast as Rocks, with D'angelou Osei Kissiedu as Emmanuel and Kosar Ali as Sumaya. Directed by Sarah Gavron; 20 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Sarah Gavron
-
Bukky Bakray as Rocks - D'angelou Osei Kissiedu as Emmanuel
-
Kosar Ali as Sumaya - Anastasia Dymitrow as Sabina
Also Starring in Rocks
· 16 more- Shaneigha-Monik Greyson Roshé
- Ruby Stokes Agnes
- Sharon D Clarke Anita
- Sarah Niles Ms. Booker
- Mohammad Amiri Mohammed
- Afi Okaidja Yawa
- Kate Isitt Vicky
- Shola Adewusi Grandmother Omotoso
- Kaine Zajaz Mo
- Aneta Piotrowska Anna
- Layo-Christina Akinlude Funke Omotoso
- Umit Ulgen Ahmed
- Curtis Walker Reg
- Tawheda Begum Khadijah
- Tina Chiang Lara
- Islah Abdur-Rahman Ismail
Rocks Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in sensory experience (76).
Rocks Echo Score Breakdown
Rocks delivers a compelling depiction of inner‑city teenage life through authentic performances and a grounded visual approach. Critics and viewers consistently note the film’s emotional resonance, natural chemistry among the young cast, and a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. While the sensory elements and storytelling are solid, occasional narrative predictability tempers enthusiasm. Overall, the film stands as a strong, relatable portrait with lasting appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 86
The visual craft of Rocks is understated yet effective, relying on on‑location shooting and simple set design to convey realism. Reviewers highlight the authentic feel of the cinematography, noting that the film often resembles a documentary in its portrayal of London’s streets. Though it lacks flashier techniques, the restrained approach serves the story well, resulting in a solid artistic execution.
- Character & Emotion 92
Character work is the film’s strongest asset, with the young cast delivering natural, nuanced performances. Critics describe the actors as “real kids” whose chemistry feels genuine, while users praise the depth of emotion and relatability of the friendships depicted. This consistent acting quality creates a powerful emotional core, making the characters both believable and compelling.
- Story & Flow 78
The narrative offers an engaging, heartfelt look at sisterhood and adversity, praised for its fresh perspective on familiar themes. Reviewers appreciate the measured pacing and moments of genuine tension, though some note occasional dull stretches and reliance on well‑trod tropes. Consequently, the story is solid and moving, but not wholly original.
- Sensory Experience 76
Sensory elements support the film without dominating it; the soundtrack receives particular commendation for complementing the emotional tone. Sound design and visual style remain subtle, reinforcing the film’s realism rather than drawing attention to itself. While competent, these components lack standout moments, resulting in a modest but effective sensory experience.
- Rewatch Factor 84
Rocks demonstrates high rewatch potential due to its authentic portrayal and relatable themes. Viewers suggest it would serve educational purposes and evoke repeated emotional responses, while critics note its lasting humane impact. The film’s blend of hope and hardship encourages viewers to return for deeper appreciation, confirming its durable appeal.
Rocks Plot Summary
What happens in Rocks from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Rocks is a teenage girl, Bukky Bakray, who lives in London with her younger brother, Emmanuel, D’angelou Osei Kissiedu, and their single mother. She moves through life with a tight-knit circle of friends, a support system that helps her weather the ordinary ups and downs of adolescence. Among these friends is Sumaya, Anastasia Dymitrow, a loyal presence in Rocks’ world who sparks honest conversations and tough love in equal measure. But a new girl arrives at Rocks’ school, Roshé, Shaneigha-Monik Greyson, whose presence unsettles the balance of the group and stirs a blend of curiosity and caution in Rocks.
Full summary
The whole story of Rocks, scene by scene
Rocks Box Office
Rocks grossed $628,654 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$628.7K
- International
- $628.7K
Rocks Trailers & Videos
9 videos: 1 trailer and 8 featurettes.
- Featurette Cast and Crew Q&A | TIFF 2019
- Featurette Special Presentation | BFI London Film Festival 2019
- Featurette Preview of Rocks at the Rio Cinema hosted by We Are Parable
- Featurette “Delete This!” The Rocks Cast Play The Best Friend Challenge
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the main character in the film?
Rocks Also Known As
6 alternative titles, including “岩石” and “Rocks ロックス”.
- Also known as
-
- 岩石
- Rocks ロックス
- 고! 록스!
- 洛克斯
- Рокс
- Rocks/ロックス
Seen Rocks?
Movies Like Rocks
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Rocks, Rocks in My Pockets and Rockaway.
Rocks FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Rocks, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Rocks?
Rocks runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Rocks released?
Rocks was released on September 5, 2019.
Who directed Rocks?
Rocks was directed by Sarah Gavron.
More films by Sarah Gavron Who is in the cast of Rocks?
Rocks stars Bukky Bakray as Rocks, D'angelou Osei Kissiedu as Emmanuel and Kosar Ali as Sumaya, among 20 credited actors.
How much did Rocks make at the box office?
Rocks grossed $628,654 worldwide.
Does Rocks have a post-credit scene?
No. Rocks has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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