Rocks

Rocks

Year: 2021

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Sarah Gavron

Drama

In a gritty, emotional ride, a resilient London teenager finds herself shouldering the weight of responsibility as she navigates the treacherous landscape of abandonment and uncertainty, all while trying to keep her family's fragile bond intact.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rocks yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Rocks (2021)
Trace every key event in Rocks (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Introduction to Rocks and Emmanuel

The film begins by introducing Rocks, a teenage girl living in London with her younger brother, Emmanuel, and their single mother. They share a close bond, navigating the challenges of their daily lives together in a bustling city.

London
2

Arrival of the New Student

A new student named Roché arrives at Rocks' school and quickly forms a bond with her, which creates tension within Rocks' close-knit group of friends. This unexpected friendship begins to shift the dynamics in Rocks' social circle.

School
3

Mother Abandons Rocks and Emmanuel

Rocks' world takes a drastic turn when their mother unexpectedly leaves, providing only a letter promising to return and a small envelope of cash. This abandonment forces Rocks to confront a harsh new reality without the support of her mother.

4

Seeking Help from Friends

Struggling to cope with her situation, Rocks hesitates to confide in anyone, except for her best friend, Sumaya. Despite her inner turmoil, Rocks is resistant to seeking adult help, wanting to maintain a facade of control.

5

Social Worker Outside the Home

One day, Rocks finds a social worker waiting outside her door, signaling the urgent need for intervention in her life. This prompts her to seek temporary refuge at Sumaya's house, highlighting her desperation and fear.

Rocks' house
6

Conflict with Sumaya

Tensions rise between Rocks and Sumaya when Sumaya urges her to accept adult help and report their situation. Rocks, feeling jealous and frustrated with Sumaya's stable life, lashes out, insisting that she can handle everything on her own.

7

Bonding with Roché

Feeling isolated from her friends, Rocks starts spending more time with Roché, who introduces her to a reckless lifestyle. They skip school together, exploring temporary freedom, but Rocks soon learns about Roché's dubious money-making scheme.

School
8

Theft and Hotel Stay

Rocks takes a risk when she steals money from Roché's scheme to fund a hotel stay, using a lie to convince staff that she is Emmanuel's mother. This act marks a significant turning point as Rocks tries to escape her chaotic reality.

Hotel
9

Public Shame and Eviction

The situation spirals when Roché discovers the theft and publicly exposes Rocks online, branding her a thief. Following this humiliation, the hotel staff realize Rocks and Emmanuel are minors and forcibly evict them, deepening their plight.

Hotel
10

Seeking Refuge with Agnes

Desperate for help after being kicked out, Rocks turns to her friend Agnes for refuge. Agnes' support highlights the strength of their friendship but also the dire circumstances surrounding Rocks and Emmanuel.

11

Separation from Emmanuel

The following day, Rock's precarious living situation leads social workers to separate her from Emmanuel after Agnes informs her mother about their struggles. This heartbreaking event marks a critical moment in Rocks' journey.

12

Foster Care Placement

Rocks is placed in a foster home in London while Emmanuel is sent to a home in Hastings. The separation intensifies Rocks' feelings of loss and uncertainty about her family's future.

Foster Home in London
13

Reconciliation and Support

Despite her hardships, Rocks eventually finds reconciliation with her friends, who come together to raise funds for a train trip to visit Emmanuel on his birthday. This act of solidarity demonstrates the enduring bonds of friendship.

14

Confronting Emmanuel's Happiness

When Rocks arrives to see Emmanuel, she is confronted with the bittersweet reality of his newfound happiness. Overwhelmed with emotion, she decides not to disrupt his joy, showcasing her deep love and protective instincts.

Hastings
15

Joy on the Beach

The film concludes with a poignant scene of Rocks and her friends joyfully playing on the beach, symbolizing hope and resilience amidst their adversities. This moment reflects the possibility of brighter days ahead despite their struggles.

Beach

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:10

Similar Movies to Rocks
Discover movies like Rocks that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.