It's a hangout episode. Like the third act of Dazed and Confused expanded to an hour. There's no much to it.
People expect black stories to have a message, which is why it's important we also get stories like this of people just having fun.
I'm laughing at people saying it's not accurate, as if house parties, black house parties in particular, are a monolithic experience
35 Reviews
A well crafted hearts in heat Afro tale.
roger-99-17159917 September 2020
Effervescent, heart pounding, thrilling portrait of a one night party in a Black British community surrounded by threats, violence and corruption. Blending a reggae musical, a love affair, political, social and immigration commentary, , it's a statement of African culture freedom.
Compared to the sombre, often true-life, tone of the rest of Small Axe, 'Lovers Rock' is a welcome injection of pure joy
dr_clarke_28 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The second episode in Small Axe is 'Lovers Rock', and after the politically charged, true-life 'Mangrove', it takes a very different approach. Again co-written by McQueen (this time with Courttia Newland), it's a touching romance starring Micheal Ward and Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn as lovers who meet at a house party in 1980.
'Lovers Rock' is set almost entirely without the house, before and during the party (although the last ten minutes take place the following day, and suggest that the two leads are going to continue seeing each other). There's enormous attention to detail, notably in the minutiae of the preparations for the house party, and when the party starts there are extensive scenes of the various characters dancing, allowing the burgeoning romance between Ward's Franklyn Cooper and St. Aubyn's Martha Trenton to unfold organically. Indeed, there's a particularly lengthy scene that simply shows people dancing, and it's oddly intoxicating. The dialogue is minimalistic, requiring the actors to convey a great deal through physical acting.
The characters are well written by McQueen and Newland, and Ward is hugely charismatic as Franklyn; his burgeoning relationship with St. Aubyn's deeply likeable Martha has palpable on-screen chemistry. As with 'Mangrove', McQueen shoots it like a film rather than a television drama, and it looks great. Once again, the same attention to detail in sets, costumes and props is used to capture the period. And of course, there is the music, with a soundtrack drawn from the eponymous genre. It's not all sweetness and light - there are some dark moments and drama, such as when Martha prevents a rape in the house's garden, but compared to the sombre, often true-life, tone of the rest of Small Axe, 'Lovers Rock' is a welcome injection of pure joy, even if that does mean it isn't quite as hard hitting.
'Lovers Rock' is set almost entirely without the house, before and during the party (although the last ten minutes take place the following day, and suggest that the two leads are going to continue seeing each other). There's enormous attention to detail, notably in the minutiae of the preparations for the house party, and when the party starts there are extensive scenes of the various characters dancing, allowing the burgeoning romance between Ward's Franklyn Cooper and St. Aubyn's Martha Trenton to unfold organically. Indeed, there's a particularly lengthy scene that simply shows people dancing, and it's oddly intoxicating. The dialogue is minimalistic, requiring the actors to convey a great deal through physical acting.
The characters are well written by McQueen and Newland, and Ward is hugely charismatic as Franklyn; his burgeoning relationship with St. Aubyn's deeply likeable Martha has palpable on-screen chemistry. As with 'Mangrove', McQueen shoots it like a film rather than a television drama, and it looks great. Once again, the same attention to detail in sets, costumes and props is used to capture the period. And of course, there is the music, with a soundtrack drawn from the eponymous genre. It's not all sweetness and light - there are some dark moments and drama, such as when Martha prevents a rape in the house's garden, but compared to the sombre, often true-life, tone of the rest of Small Axe, 'Lovers Rock' is a welcome injection of pure joy, even if that does mean it isn't quite as hard hitting.
Incredible film-making but not for everyone
trivium10510 January 2021
I think there are a couple of 'rules' for watching this film, to get the most out of it.
Firstly, if you came to it after watching Mangrove then abandon all expectations of a similar film, it is completely and utterly different. Not in a good or bad way, just do not expect anything remotely similar.
Secondly, be in a situation to allow yourself to become absorbed in the film. If you can watch alone, in low lighting, perhaps with a drink or two, and can leave your phone alone for just over an hour ( I know, crazy!) then you will be able to give your whole attention to the film and I think that is the way you will get sucked in and, very possibly, be absolutely blown away.
Lovers Rock is not about script, dialogue, action, character development. It takes a certain place in time, a certain moment in time, and inserts itself right into them and is about just experiencing it as if you were there yourself. It's all about the vibe, not the story. The music is fantastic.
This type of film is most certainly not for everyone, but watch it with your full attention and it might just be the best film you've seen for a long time.
Oh, and anyone who loved it should check out Climax by Gaspar Noe .... also brilliant and similar in lots of ways.
Firstly, if you came to it after watching Mangrove then abandon all expectations of a similar film, it is completely and utterly different. Not in a good or bad way, just do not expect anything remotely similar.
Secondly, be in a situation to allow yourself to become absorbed in the film. If you can watch alone, in low lighting, perhaps with a drink or two, and can leave your phone alone for just over an hour ( I know, crazy!) then you will be able to give your whole attention to the film and I think that is the way you will get sucked in and, very possibly, be absolutely blown away.
Lovers Rock is not about script, dialogue, action, character development. It takes a certain place in time, a certain moment in time, and inserts itself right into them and is about just experiencing it as if you were there yourself. It's all about the vibe, not the story. The music is fantastic.
This type of film is most certainly not for everyone, but watch it with your full attention and it might just be the best film you've seen for a long time.
Oh, and anyone who loved it should check out Climax by Gaspar Noe .... also brilliant and similar in lots of ways.
Small Axe: LOVERS ROCK (2020)
taranpannu0120 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Steve McQueen's second film in the Small Axe saga is all about the energy and the senses. With such elegant camerawork, McQueen and DP Shabier Kirchner place the audience into the party with such light movement that could easily be mistaken for point of view shots of an attendee.
This film is all about the senses, you can taste the food, smell the sweat, feel the movement, see the love and above all hear the music.
With such a simple story, McQueen is brave enough to just want to show you movement with long shots of the dance floor presenting you the energy and that is exactly what the film is. Pure energy.
The performances are lovely and suitable, newcomer Amarah-Jae St Aubyn is enchanting as the Cinderella esque Martha whilst Micheal Ward is effortlessly sexy as Franklyn. The rest of the ensemble provide riveting and visceral energy and vigour to the film, I keep coming back to the word energy because that is what the film is, McQueen captures energy and life so easily on screen. This is truly McQueen's version of a musical.
But of course, it wouldn't be a McQueen film without tragedy and tension, themes of racism & sexual abuse are peppered throughout but it is never enough to dampen the spirits of the passionate party.
Lovers Rock is all about the energy, the passion and the life of a party and McQueen fearlessly shows you the whole truth of said party no matter how beautiful, no matter how ugly and I can truly say I wish I was there. Surely that is the greatest compliment to give this film, those this film itself is a compliment to the world we live in at the minute.
This film is all about the senses, you can taste the food, smell the sweat, feel the movement, see the love and above all hear the music.
With such a simple story, McQueen is brave enough to just want to show you movement with long shots of the dance floor presenting you the energy and that is exactly what the film is. Pure energy.
The performances are lovely and suitable, newcomer Amarah-Jae St Aubyn is enchanting as the Cinderella esque Martha whilst Micheal Ward is effortlessly sexy as Franklyn. The rest of the ensemble provide riveting and visceral energy and vigour to the film, I keep coming back to the word energy because that is what the film is, McQueen captures energy and life so easily on screen. This is truly McQueen's version of a musical.
But of course, it wouldn't be a McQueen film without tragedy and tension, themes of racism & sexual abuse are peppered throughout but it is never enough to dampen the spirits of the passionate party.
Lovers Rock is all about the energy, the passion and the life of a party and McQueen fearlessly shows you the whole truth of said party no matter how beautiful, no matter how ugly and I can truly say I wish I was there. Surely that is the greatest compliment to give this film, those this film itself is a compliment to the world we live in at the minute.
Lovers Rock
gersonvallejos27 February 2021
What a great way to show how can we feel with music. Carried out in a specific enviroment with social rules and a strong culture overflowing.Most of the scenes shot at weist height,remembering that is just that, a House Party. Perhaps two social issues are approached very abruptly just to make it more inclusive, those escenes are like blind spots that you are forced to see and break the flow with the viewer. On other hand, meets the goals to be a feature film hour.
Lovers Rock is a story portrayed through the music, the atmosphere and the chemistry of the people
mohanhyman27 November 2020
I really enjoyed Lover's Rock and have watched it three times now. Each time it somehow brought back some treasured memory that I re-live and in someway try to reconnect to. I think it's a job well done and am not too concerned about a few minor flaws here and there. I imagine it must have been a very difficult task to capture the house party vibe and put this across on screen. The overall essence of the party is there, the atmosphere, the excitement, the dancing the food etc.
I was really impressed by the attention to detail throughout and the characterisation portrayad by such a young cast. The music selection was spot on and it seriously brought back memories. I loved how you could still hear the music playing during scenes out of the room, this made you feel like you were present.
For me, Lovers Rock is a story portrayed through the music, the atmosphere and the chemistry of the people and I'm so pleased for this credible reference to our history.
I was really impressed by the attention to detail throughout and the characterisation portrayad by such a young cast. The music selection was spot on and it seriously brought back memories. I loved how you could still hear the music playing during scenes out of the room, this made you feel like you were present.
For me, Lovers Rock is a story portrayed through the music, the atmosphere and the chemistry of the people and I'm so pleased for this credible reference to our history.
For Live Music Lovers
agmoldham13 December 2020
I've never really reviewed many tv productions in the past, but the Small Axe series are worthy of a movie release. The episodes are directed by Steve McQueen and they focus on the West Indian community in the late 20th century.
Lovers Rock is a story about a London House Party in the 1980's. I must admit that I loved the production, but am quite sure that it will leave some people cold. I am passionate about live music and this movie really gives you the feel for what it is like to experience music that moves your soul. You are progressively drawn in to an intense intimate feel of the dance floor. The soundtrack is amazing and if you like raggae music you are in for a treat. Whilst the music is the main focus of the movie there are underlying themes of sexism and violence being played out.
This movie probably will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it.
Lovers Rock is a story about a London House Party in the 1980's. I must admit that I loved the production, but am quite sure that it will leave some people cold. I am passionate about live music and this movie really gives you the feel for what it is like to experience music that moves your soul. You are progressively drawn in to an intense intimate feel of the dance floor. The soundtrack is amazing and if you like raggae music you are in for a treat. Whilst the music is the main focus of the movie there are underlying themes of sexism and violence being played out.
This movie probably will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it.
So special
stephenstephenbyrne31 December 2020
Rewatch:: Seeing people come together in celebration and dance is honestly porn to me in 2020. When they played Kunta Kinte Dub for no less than the third time in a row I literally jumped up off my bed and started dancing in my room. Absolutely infectious.
Camera Rocks
Cineanalyst15 January 2021
"Lovers Rock," the second installment in Steve McQueen's "Small Axe" anthology of five movies, is a novel bit of filmmaking of a house party. But, that lens flare repeatedly occupying the center of the picture becomes a nuisance. It's especially unfortunate that it often resembles three-or-so dots in the middle of the screen, which when I was streaming it on my TV led me to momentarily think the video was buffering--that there was something wrong with my internet connection. Of course, it turned out that the video was fine; it was just the plot that wasn't moving. Kidding aside, if anything in this experimental short feature, there may be too much emphasis on subplots. Seriously.
The camera movements on the dance floor are terrific, suggesting through the spectator's identification with the gaze of the cinematographic apparatus that we're dancing to the reggae music with the characters and right in the midst of the action. Poorly and overdone though it is, I also understand the reasoning for the lens flares, as such flaws have become associated with realism even though it reminds us of the camera's presence at the same time that we're intended to identify with the camera's dancing. The camera, then, is both invisible and obtrusive, or at least meant to be, simultaneously. The lighting here is very good, too.
Despite the first "Small Axe" picture, "Mangrove," being over two hours of standard plotting and the relatively plotless "Lovers Rock" clocking under 70 minutes, the former feels less congested. Everything there fits the main thrust of the narrative. Here, instead, subplots of menacing white supremacists on street corners, the friend sneaking out of the party, the fight with the cousin, the would-be-rapist and the guy carrying a cross intermittently get in the way of an otherwise joyful and romantic ode to "all lovers and rockers." If not for such small flaws, I'd rate this higher, because it's very good at what it does otherwise. The grinding dance scene in particular is one of the best sex scenes I've seen in a while and adroitly analogizes dance as sex, as love, as joy.
The camera movements on the dance floor are terrific, suggesting through the spectator's identification with the gaze of the cinematographic apparatus that we're dancing to the reggae music with the characters and right in the midst of the action. Poorly and overdone though it is, I also understand the reasoning for the lens flares, as such flaws have become associated with realism even though it reminds us of the camera's presence at the same time that we're intended to identify with the camera's dancing. The camera, then, is both invisible and obtrusive, or at least meant to be, simultaneously. The lighting here is very good, too.
Despite the first "Small Axe" picture, "Mangrove," being over two hours of standard plotting and the relatively plotless "Lovers Rock" clocking under 70 minutes, the former feels less congested. Everything there fits the main thrust of the narrative. Here, instead, subplots of menacing white supremacists on street corners, the friend sneaking out of the party, the fight with the cousin, the would-be-rapist and the guy carrying a cross intermittently get in the way of an otherwise joyful and romantic ode to "all lovers and rockers." If not for such small flaws, I'd rate this higher, because it's very good at what it does otherwise. The grinding dance scene in particular is one of the best sex scenes I've seen in a while and adroitly analogizes dance as sex, as love, as joy.
One of the greatest musicals ever made...and strictly speaking, it isn't even a musical.
MOscarbradley29 December 2020
You have to remember that before Steve McQueen became a 'film' director of features like "Hunger", "Shame" and "12 Years A Slave" he was a Turner Prize-winning video artist and "Lover's Rock", the second of his five "Small Axe" films, seems less of a traditional film as it is a fully immersive video installation in which his camera is continually moving around a series of dancing bodies while the extraordinary soundtrack turns this into an almost continuous and utterly sublime music video. Of course, if that's all "Lover's Rock" was it might perhaps merit a special mention somewhere down the line but McQueen is much more than just a great visual artist. As his earlier features have shown, he is one of the great social chroniclers of life in the UK, (see "Hunger") and of the Black experience, (see "12 Years A Slave" and these "Small Axe" films).
"Lover's Rock" takes place at a house party in West London over the course of one night and in just seventy minutes of screen time McQueen opens up the lives of these party-goers in just a few short, sharp scenes while never deviating from the music. This is one of the great musicals that isn't strictly a 'musical' and anyone who's ever been to a house-party will know the euphoria on the screen first-hand. Magnificently acted by a cast who are not really acting at all, brilliantly photographed by Shabier Kirchner and superbly directed this is among the best seventy mintues of film I have seen this year.
"Lover's Rock" takes place at a house party in West London over the course of one night and in just seventy minutes of screen time McQueen opens up the lives of these party-goers in just a few short, sharp scenes while never deviating from the music. This is one of the great musicals that isn't strictly a 'musical' and anyone who's ever been to a house-party will know the euphoria on the screen first-hand. Magnificently acted by a cast who are not really acting at all, brilliantly photographed by Shabier Kirchner and superbly directed this is among the best seventy mintues of film I have seen this year.
Lovers Rock
jboothmillard12 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Small Axe was an anthology of made-for-TV films from the BBC, suitably broadcast during the Black Lives Matter movement, created and directed by Steve McQueen (Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Widows) - Lovers Rock was the second film of the series, and featured in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Basically, set in 1980, a group of Caribbean/West Indian friends are preparing for a house party in West London. During the time, the black community still experience severe racism, but the people gathering find this party as a means of escape. After the DJ set and sound system have been set up, a large number of people gather for an all-nighter, with drinking and some drug use. During the night, there is a growing attraction between the beautiful Martha (introducing Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) and brooding stranger Franklyn (BAFTA nominated Micheal Ward). The floor shakes as the revellers dance with wild abandon to the ecstatic rapture of music, including the hit song "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas. The centrepiece moment of the party is when the DJ plays "Silly Games" by Janet Kay, followed by an acapella performance by all on the dance floor. The party ends with "Kunta Kinte" by The Revolutionaries. Also starring Dennis Bovell as Milton, Saffron Coomber as Grace, Frankie Fox as Eddie Marks, Daniel Francis-Swaby as Bammy, Marcus Fraser as Jabba, Jermaine Freeman as Skinner, Ellis George as Cynthia, Alexander James-Blake as Parker B, Francis Lovehall as Reggie, Shaniqua Okwok as Patty, Kadeem Ramsay as Samson, Kedar Williams-Stirling as Clifton, and Romario Simpson as Lizard. It should be mentioned that the title is a reference to the romantic reggae lovers rock genre that boomed in the United Kingdom. The performances are all good, the story is engaging, the period detail is well done, especially with the representation of the black youth culture, character interactions and 70s music, the highlight is the partygoers continuing to dance and sing "Silly Games" after the song has ended, a most watchable drama. Small Axe was nominated the BAFTA for Mini-Series, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Very good!
Loved Mangrove. This not so much.
gworth2814 December 2020
Mangrove set the bar very high. This one did nothing for me. At the start the premise was great. Good music, characters were built and all in an atmospheric setting. But then the story just meandered along and didn't really take me anywhere. Felt a little short changed. Onto the next one!
Lovers Rock is a necessary respite from racist tyranny.
matthewssilverhammer19 January 2021
Vibes reminiscent of "Soul Power," this plotless, hypnotic party parable is a banger that pulses with spiritual energy, testing our resolve not to get up & dance. In one scene, the diegetic reggaeton music powerfully fades away, leaving us only with the sounds of feet softly stepping to the vanished beat & partygoers singing the song acapella...then you sense all the cultural power seep out when the first white person appears.
Welcome to the party
cliftonofun1 March 2021
There are many stories that take place over a single night or focus on a single party, but the party has never felt like the protagonist for me before. That's what McQueen accomplished here. From the moment the rugs were rolled up and the speakers were connected, I felt like an invited guest watching characters (and stories) dance in and out of the room. No expositions or explanations or flashes in time. Instead the vignettes unfold and intersect in a way that feels more lyrical than scripted - a single powerful and musical night. The wordless storytelling alone is worth 75 minutes, and honestly I could have watched much longer than that.
Like a boring home movie of a great party
RudeArtAndDesign_Com16 September 2021
Small Axe comes busting out of the gate with "Mangrove' and slows to a crawl in its 2nd episode 'Lover's Rock'.
Other reviews mention the outstanding soundtrack to this episode, gotta say I'm in 100% agreement there. The music is the star here (and provides 4 of the 6 stars of my rating) because the rest... well there really isn't much else.
Dialog is sparse, there's almost no character development and only about 10 minutes of actual plot and it's spread thin and sporadically throughout this episode's1:10 running time. The majority of this installment of 'Small Axe' is just people at a house party dancing, smoking grass and drinking.
If the point of this episode is to introduce someone that's never went to a rager of a house party to what they missed out on, then maybe it does its job better than I'm giving it credit for. However personally, I'd rather go to a party than watch it on the TV.
Other reviews mention the outstanding soundtrack to this episode, gotta say I'm in 100% agreement there. The music is the star here (and provides 4 of the 6 stars of my rating) because the rest... well there really isn't much else.
Dialog is sparse, there's almost no character development and only about 10 minutes of actual plot and it's spread thin and sporadically throughout this episode's1:10 running time. The majority of this installment of 'Small Axe' is just people at a house party dancing, smoking grass and drinking.
If the point of this episode is to introduce someone that's never went to a rager of a house party to what they missed out on, then maybe it does its job better than I'm giving it credit for. However personally, I'd rather go to a party than watch it on the TV.
A Remarkable Piece Of Film-Making
david-meldrum25 June 2021
A remarkable and bold piece of film-making that in many ways takes McQueen's trademark of the long, still shot on one thing to its logical extreme. Not that I noticed such a shot here first time around, but the whole film is that long, focused shot on something often overlooked; a party, topped and tailed by some getting ready for it and a little of the aftermath. It's as much about the music and dancing, what these things mean in an immigrant culture as it is is about the interweaving relationships; it's less plot, more character and a lot of 'sensing' and 'feeling', a film that wants to you to grasp something from the inside rather than passively watch.
Ughhhhhhhhhh
TheCorniestLemur26 May 2021
Was anyone else weirdly reminded of Climax or am I just crazy?
And did anyone else find themselves hoping for something to happen, like in Climax, or am I the only person who thought this was so. Goddamn. B o r i n g.
Like, I understand the point of this is almost entirely about the vibes, but I feel like even Steve McQueen realised at some point that that wasn't going to carry a film that's over an hour long, and added that dumb subplot about some girls trying to avoid the resident harasser of the evening that goes absolutely nowhere.
I honestly think a better option would have been to just cut the runtime, maybe by as much as an entire half of it, because that's how much feels like you're just watching people dancing and building awkward sexual tension.
And yes it's amazingly directed, yes it captures the mood it's going for perfectly, and yes I can appreciate how much of a logistical nightmare all those long takes weaving in and out of people dancing must have been, but to what end? So we can see two people apparently falling in love after feeling each other up for a night? Cause that's what it feels like, and no, I did not feel any chemistry between them.
It's all well acted again, even if the characters are boring and it's paced somewhere between the speed of a rowing boat and a passing turtle, but god if this isn't a reluctant 6 out of 10 then I don't know what is.
And did anyone else find themselves hoping for something to happen, like in Climax, or am I the only person who thought this was so. Goddamn. B o r i n g.
Like, I understand the point of this is almost entirely about the vibes, but I feel like even Steve McQueen realised at some point that that wasn't going to carry a film that's over an hour long, and added that dumb subplot about some girls trying to avoid the resident harasser of the evening that goes absolutely nowhere.
I honestly think a better option would have been to just cut the runtime, maybe by as much as an entire half of it, because that's how much feels like you're just watching people dancing and building awkward sexual tension.
And yes it's amazingly directed, yes it captures the mood it's going for perfectly, and yes I can appreciate how much of a logistical nightmare all those long takes weaving in and out of people dancing must have been, but to what end? So we can see two people apparently falling in love after feeling each other up for a night? Cause that's what it feels like, and no, I did not feel any chemistry between them.
It's all well acted again, even if the characters are boring and it's paced somewhere between the speed of a rowing boat and a passing turtle, but god if this isn't a reluctant 6 out of 10 then I don't know what is.
A masterpiece
tiltilton4 February 2021
Small Axe S1/2 Lovers Rock. Once in a while something really special comes along. The writing, direction, acting, production design, casting, music, cinematography, editing make this a masterpiece. Not a word I use lightly. Turn up the bass.
Silly games made fresh
Quinoa19841 January 2021
What do you do when you can dance and sing and play like no one is watching? What happens when you can just be with everyone in a room gproving and grinding and feeling free to music? Or for that matter being free? (I know Josh Larsen of Filmspotting already made this observation, but hey, I can make it as well).
What I love so much about Steve McQueen as a communicator as much as an artist is that, while he can tell a good story, he is most concerned with expressing through his camera and the people he casts and how long he keeps on a shot a feeling, and many times it's a sustained mood and expression of pathos. You have the tension of a very long conversation like the 16 minute shot in Hunger, or when we see Michael Fassbender is in agonizing sexual pain on his face after having sex for hours on end, or keeping on that torturous display of Solomon hanging and barely being kept alive while people go on with their business. But rarely have we seen McQueen show total joy and peace, yet it's something he shows he knows how to present and then some in Lover's Rock as everyone sways to the steady love anthem "Silly Games" and then breaks out into singing it for what feels like ten minutes (maybe shorter, could've gone on longer).
I can't be the only one who broke out in tears during the scene, no? Maybe it's seeing this following such a wretched many months to a year where (having common sense) being able to have this kind of intense connective experience is impossible. Or it is simply that McQueen understands and knows how to depict that wave of rapture that can take over people, and this goes beyond race though it is absolutely a filmmaker representing a people who rarely get to see this on screen, and that it can be overwhelming for the senses. I often find as I get older I tear up more at seeing pure, unadulterated kindness, and this is like that: everyone, for this night and with these DJs and this groove, can be OK and in love with one another and have that special emotion one gets when singing along to a song. I'll even get more high and mighty: It's... A cinematic moment that is good for the soul.
This doesn't mean Lovers Rock isn't, or isn't just, about seeing people dance in a room, though McQueen does eschew traditional A-B-C storytelling to give us two young women who go to this house party and things just... Happen, good and bad. There is politics to this as well, sexual politics, how a man will mistreat a woman and how women stand up for their fellow woman or a man might for a woman and that intense, eons-deep reaction where two men in the thick of it butt heads (there isn't violence like fists thrown, but it comes close to that, an emotional violence simmering). And at one point when an altercation by a front door seems about to happen, and a cop car rolls by and so one man practically throws the other into the house to tell him to shut the F up, that feeling McQueen has been showing us is revealed to be kind of tenuous; there is freedom, but it could all crumble with one dumb or even accidental moment.
Lovers Rock doesn't reveal its greatness all at once, and at first you may wonder what is the point of showing us a long, Cannabis-fueled party... But by "Silly Games" it's clear this is a mini master's class in how cinema can be raw, sensual, vibrant and cool, or how it should be that from time to time.
What I love so much about Steve McQueen as a communicator as much as an artist is that, while he can tell a good story, he is most concerned with expressing through his camera and the people he casts and how long he keeps on a shot a feeling, and many times it's a sustained mood and expression of pathos. You have the tension of a very long conversation like the 16 minute shot in Hunger, or when we see Michael Fassbender is in agonizing sexual pain on his face after having sex for hours on end, or keeping on that torturous display of Solomon hanging and barely being kept alive while people go on with their business. But rarely have we seen McQueen show total joy and peace, yet it's something he shows he knows how to present and then some in Lover's Rock as everyone sways to the steady love anthem "Silly Games" and then breaks out into singing it for what feels like ten minutes (maybe shorter, could've gone on longer).
I can't be the only one who broke out in tears during the scene, no? Maybe it's seeing this following such a wretched many months to a year where (having common sense) being able to have this kind of intense connective experience is impossible. Or it is simply that McQueen understands and knows how to depict that wave of rapture that can take over people, and this goes beyond race though it is absolutely a filmmaker representing a people who rarely get to see this on screen, and that it can be overwhelming for the senses. I often find as I get older I tear up more at seeing pure, unadulterated kindness, and this is like that: everyone, for this night and with these DJs and this groove, can be OK and in love with one another and have that special emotion one gets when singing along to a song. I'll even get more high and mighty: It's... A cinematic moment that is good for the soul.
This doesn't mean Lovers Rock isn't, or isn't just, about seeing people dance in a room, though McQueen does eschew traditional A-B-C storytelling to give us two young women who go to this house party and things just... Happen, good and bad. There is politics to this as well, sexual politics, how a man will mistreat a woman and how women stand up for their fellow woman or a man might for a woman and that intense, eons-deep reaction where two men in the thick of it butt heads (there isn't violence like fists thrown, but it comes close to that, an emotional violence simmering). And at one point when an altercation by a front door seems about to happen, and a cop car rolls by and so one man practically throws the other into the house to tell him to shut the F up, that feeling McQueen has been showing us is revealed to be kind of tenuous; there is freedom, but it could all crumble with one dumb or even accidental moment.
Lovers Rock doesn't reveal its greatness all at once, and at first you may wonder what is the point of showing us a long, Cannabis-fueled party... But by "Silly Games" it's clear this is a mini master's class in how cinema can be raw, sensual, vibrant and cool, or how it should be that from time to time.
Awful
zathan-3284811 March 2021
First episode of small axe was really good, this second episode is like a bad "house party" movie without any fun or action. totally pointless... Production quality is high and acting is good, its just really boring...
Great portrayal of a night out...
tracyobrien-477345 December 2020
This is an amazing portrayal of a night out. Don't expect to understand everything, you don't need to. Don't expect everything to be accurate to your experience, it won't be. Just relax and enjoy all the dancing, short but intense experiences and joy of a night out in your teens. This encapsulates an amazing night out and a community having a great time, most of us can recognise these feelings. If not, now you kinda can.
For the Lovers & Rockers
chrispule19 January 2021
For the Lovers & Rockers ❤
Memory Lane to your very 1st high school or University Party! A whole Vibeeeee on this one! Dance
Anthems Galore! Def felt u were vibin at this Party! Goodtimes
The Silly Games & Kunta Kinte Dub scenes 🔥 🔥
Steve McQueen does it again with this intimate flashback
Memory Lane to your very 1st high school or University Party! A whole Vibeeeee on this one! Dance
Anthems Galore! Def felt u were vibin at this Party! Goodtimes
The Silly Games & Kunta Kinte Dub scenes 🔥 🔥
Steve McQueen does it again with this intimate flashback
Interesting
dashtag123424 January 2021
It's interesting, not much happens but it takes its time to let things unfold. It keeps you interested and has unique parts of singing, dancing and partying. You feel like you're at the party. However, it just doesn't do very much to the viewer and leaves you feeling empty, because it just feels a little shallow. There's not much to this.
Criminally Underwritten!
Movie-ManDan28 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This will be a bit of a small critique since basically only one thing happens throughout the film's duration. I only watched it because it appeared on many critics' lists of the best films of 2020.
For a film, there absolutely NEEDS to be character and plot development. If not, how on earth could it even get green-lit? If something is experimental, then the visuals compensate for character and plot. This Steve McQueen flick had none of that! I may not have liked any of McQueen's other films, but those basically had things to say. The second movie in the "Small Axe" anthology has nothing to say at all!
Lovers Rock has two friends who go to a party. There is a tiny bit of bad behaviour, but all are over in a single second. The ONLY things that we know about our leading lady is that she is a Jamaican living in England. She goes to a high-energy party where 99% of the film takes place: on the dance floor. The sole bit of positivity I will give to this film is that the party is energetic. Since 99% of the film is people dancing, we do not get to know even the names of the characters. Without knowing a single thing about ANY of these people at the party, why are we even watching this!? I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting for something other than butt-grabbing to happen. Unfortunately, barely anything ever did.
Ever been to a party where you are a complete stranger and are not a fan of the music? Well that is what Lovers Rock felt like to me.
I get that there are people that liked the music and the energy, but I cannot comprehend how a single person can call this unwritten dance-floor a legitimately good film.
0.5/4.
For a film, there absolutely NEEDS to be character and plot development. If not, how on earth could it even get green-lit? If something is experimental, then the visuals compensate for character and plot. This Steve McQueen flick had none of that! I may not have liked any of McQueen's other films, but those basically had things to say. The second movie in the "Small Axe" anthology has nothing to say at all!
Lovers Rock has two friends who go to a party. There is a tiny bit of bad behaviour, but all are over in a single second. The ONLY things that we know about our leading lady is that she is a Jamaican living in England. She goes to a high-energy party where 99% of the film takes place: on the dance floor. The sole bit of positivity I will give to this film is that the party is energetic. Since 99% of the film is people dancing, we do not get to know even the names of the characters. Without knowing a single thing about ANY of these people at the party, why are we even watching this!? I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting for something other than butt-grabbing to happen. Unfortunately, barely anything ever did.
Ever been to a party where you are a complete stranger and are not a fan of the music? Well that is what Lovers Rock felt like to me.
I get that there are people that liked the music and the energy, but I cannot comprehend how a single person can call this unwritten dance-floor a legitimately good film.
0.5/4.
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