VS. (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
VS. is a 2019 music drama directed by Ed Lilly, starring Ruth Sheen as Fiona, Emily Taaffe and Connor Swindells. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $16,323 worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 39m (99 min)
- Director
- Ed Lilly
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Altitude Film Distribution
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is VS. About?
The premise of VS. without spoilers.
A foster youth discovers an outlet for his frustrations and a sense of belonging through the competitive world of rap battles. As he rises through the scene, he finds himself grappling with intense emotions and the potential for self-destruction, forcing him to confront his past and fight for his future.
VS. Cast & Characters
Ruth Sheen leads the cast as Fiona, with Emily Taaffe as Lisa and Connor Swindells as Adam. Directed by Ed Lilly; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ed Lilly
-
Ruth Sheen as Fiona -
Emily Taaffe as Lisa -
Connor Swindells as Adam -
Joivan Wade as Blaze
Also Starring in VS.
· 6 more- Viktorija Faith
- Nicholas Pinnock Terry
- Kola Bokinni Rulez
- Fola Evans-Akingbola Makayla
- Lee Byford
- Jurell Carter Numberz
VS. Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave VS. 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).
VS. Echo Score Breakdown
VS. offers a dynamic fusion of stylistic direction and engaging performances. Commentary highlights the film’s distinctive visual energy and its ambitious exploration of working-class culture, while noting occasional reliance on familiar narrative beats. The story unfolds with spirited rap sequences and thematic depth, though some moments feel predictable. The soundtrack is a notable asset, elevating key scenes, and the film maintains enough vitality to encourage at least one repeat viewing. Overall, VS. strikes a commendable balance between substance and style.
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, VS. delivers a confident directorial approach marked by vivid camera movements and a raw urban aesthetic. The production design authentically captures underground venues, and the editing sequence of rap battles maintains kinetic momentum. A cohesive color scheme underlines the film’s thematic grit. Overall, the film’s stylistic flair enhances its narrative presence.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, VS. presents compelling performances anchored by nuanced portrayals of youth at the margins. The cast conveys authenticity through sharp delivery and emotional resonance in their interpersonal dynamics. The protagonist’s transformative arc reflects a genuine struggle with identity and gender norms. Overall, the film’s character work remains a standout strength.
- Story & Flow 75
Regarding story and flow, VS. balances engaging rap sequences with thematic exploration, though it sometimes adheres to familiar narrative conventions. The pacing accelerates during lyrical confrontations but occasionally stalls during transitional scenes. Originality emerges in the integration of underground culture, yet certain plot developments feel predictable. Overall, the film achieves solid engagement despite occasional reliance on genre tropes.
- Sensory Experience 70
When considering sensory experience, VS. benefits from a robust soundtrack that underscores the emotional stakes of each rap battle. Sound design effectively captures crowd reactions and environmental ambiance, while the mixture of original music and ambient noise maintains atmospheric cohesion. Visual contrasts between rehearsal spaces and performance venues further enhance immersion. Overall, the film’s auditory and visual elements coalesce to engaging effect.
- Rewatch Factor 60
In terms of rewatch factor, VS. offers moments of high-energy performance that encourage repeat viewings for fans of the genre. The clever lyricism and cultural authenticity carry appeal on subsequent viewings, though narrative familiarity may lessen impact over time. Some viewers may return for the soundtrack alone, but the film’s predictable story beats could limit long-term engagement. Overall, rewatch appeal is moderate.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB
VS. Box Office
VS. grossed $16,323 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$16.3K
- International
- $16.3K
VS. Trailers & Videos
The trailer of VS..
Seen VS.?
VS. FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of VS., each answered in a sentence.
How long is VS.?
VS. runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).
When was VS. released?
VS. was released on June 28, 2019.
Who directed VS.?
VS. was directed by Ed Lilly.
Who is in the cast of VS.?
VS. stars Ruth Sheen as Fiona, Emily Taaffe as Lisa and Connor Swindells as Adam, among 10 credited actors.
How much did VS. make at the box office?
VS. grossed $16,323 worldwide.
How is VS. rated?
VS. has 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.
Does VS. have a post-credit scene?
No. VS. 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
