Rocks (2020)

Set in London, in an atmosphere that will be familiar to many, Shola AKA Rocks (a stunning performance from Bukky Bakray that really warrants Oscar attention) is left to look after her younger brother after her depression-prone mother abandons them. Desperate to avoid the clutches of child services, Rocks continues her life as normally as possible for as long as she can. Doing everything she can to provide for both of them, whilst dealing with difficulties at school, there is plenty of comedy alongside the predictable grimness of the subject matter, arranged beautifully by writer Theresa Ikoko and director Sarah Gavron. It's a wonderful portrayal of something we know happens, but frequently don't worry about because it's not our problem. Rocks is terrific. 7.8/10