VS.
(2018) 94 mins
BBC Films / Lorton Entertainment / Silvertown Films / Altitude Entertainment
IMDB /
Rotten Tomatoes
Available on Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/80241071
SYNOPSIS
A troubled foster-teen is introduced to the “no limits” world of UK battle-rap, where his aggression and sharp lyricism quickly makes him a controversial fan favourite. But when he doorsteps his biological mother after twelve years in care, he’s forced to face his toughest opponent yet: his past. VS. is an urban rites-of-passage drama set in the hostile and exciting UK rap battle scene.
CAST
Connor Swindells, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Shotty Horroh, Paigey Cakey, Joivan Wade, Ruth Sheen, Nicholas Pinnock, Emily Taaffe, Ellie James
REVIEWS
Sight & Sound (Katherine McLaughlin) 'Film of the Week'
"Lilly handles his characters’ torment and excitable hormonal states in thrilling and visceral ways"
Guardian (Peter Bradshaw) 4 ★★★★
"A movie with flair and force"
Hey U Guys (Zehra Phelan) 4 ★★★★
"...an exceptionally delicate and nuanced drama"
Times (Ed Potton) 4 ★★★★
"...the wars of words are thrilling"
Metro (Larushka Ivan-zadeh) 4 ★★★★
"...authentic and punchy watch"
Total Film (Kevin Harley) 4 ★★★★
"...clear cut emotional stakes and cutting put downs"