JEFF OF THE CINEFILES & UNFINISHED BUSINESS: HALL OF FAME - FILE #0065: LOVER’S ROCK (2020)

Story & Directed By: Steve McQueen Written By: Steve McQueen & Courttia Newland  Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner  Editor: Chris Dickens & Steve McQueen 

Cast: Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn, Michael Ward, Shaniqua Okwok, Kedar Williams Stirling, Ellis George, Francis Lovehall, Daniel Francis-Swaby, Kadeem Ramsey 

A single evening at a house party in 1980s West London sets the scene, developing intertwined relationships against a background of violence, romance, and music.

This is a film that would have truly earned the title of a house party. A birthday party. As we see the preparation, setting up, the start of the actual party and the aftermath.

What makes this film feel so strong is that you can go off on it’s vibe alone. As the dancing is Choreographed and Improvised dance sequences 

This film could be near silent as you feed off the energy, the music, the dancing, the mood and the characters everything you need to know you feel through them.

The strength of the  Is that mostly the film is about this house party we meet different characters as the prepare and set-up the party. People getting ready for the party and then finally arriving even though we follow two characters more than others we see how they connect and meet and how their connection affects others. As we the. Follow different characters throughout some who we never even know their names, but you will recognize people you might regularly see at parties 

Either that or this is the house party of your dreams. People coming together for a celebration that is all about joy. As especially in these pandemic times it reminds you of parties you might be missing and gets you I. That perfect mood watching.

At the heart of the film. There is a blossoming romantic tale. Though it never overpowers everything else it gets it’s due diligence just as others do. 

Imagine the party scene in CITY OF GOD set to  the song Casinha de Sape by Hyldon that is only In One scene but takes you away. This whole film feels like that one scene only the edges smoothed away so that it feels like making. A clay vase that is how director Steve McQueen handles it with care making sure the curves and shape is right and at the end has a perfect specimen

Loose and beautiful all about the culture just being natural and the good times. Celebration for different reasons. The 

This is part of his SMALL AXE series of films meant to show West Indians and Caribbean Americans way of life in England usually the hardships and prejudice they face in the 1960’s - 80’s. This film is his most natural film as it focuses only on the party and 24 hours. Though as happy as this film is Caucasians do work themselves Into scenes between both unpleasant that usually show them trying to disrupt a good time. 

As theaters are closed this would have been a good film to experience in the theater to see how it affects an audience. As it is a film it also feels like a good time while you watch.

As you do feel like you are a participant and very little outside of this party matters In The film.  Like when One of the main characters friends leaves we never get a resolution to that or find out where they went. 

The same when a near-rape happens luckily it is stopped but there is no justice no arrests. The guy actually stays at the party throughout bout so does the victim.

Situations are brought up and never explored after the fact. A whole backstory comes out of nowhere or a cool character throughout is brought down by a superior who normally would have any power over him but also allows for a chink in his otherwise impeachable armor.

Everyone we see might fit family types of characters but show themselves to be lived In human beings. As we never get anyone’s full story we only get what comes naturally, shown or told.

A movie you more appreciate and want to return to Though also showing. To a certain extent that anytime we try to enjoy ourselves there is someone trying to shut it down seen as a threat. 

Those moments where you just feel the music the revelry the crowd And in the end it even has a nice punchline. 

All this and a killer ska and reggae soundtrack. 

Grade: A