Set in the background and wonderful scenery of Southend, VS is a great depiction of underground rap culture and the film aims to use it as vehicle to examine some of the the trials and tribulations young people face.
VS is set to be added to the canon of classic British films exploring youth culture such as Kidulthood, although in the case of Kidulthood the well trodden route of youth crime and gang violence are the themes of choice. However, VS attempts deal with all together different set of issues that some young people face, like abandonment, being estranged from one’s parents and growing up in foster care. This is the hand that is dealt to protagonist Adam, who seeks solace from his life’s ills in what many might have thought an unlikely place, the thriving Southend rap battle circuit. Adam who adopts the moniker “Adversary”, and is quickly drawn in by the camaraderie and see’s the heated battles as a constructive way to channel his aggression. It’s a refreshing angle from director Ed Lily, as stereotypically; rap is more often than not associated with the promotion of violence rather than focusing on the force for good which it can be.
The rap battle scenes are even reminiscent of some of the actors own experiences, which really makes them seem authentic; it’s little wonder considering that rap battle veteran Shotty Horroh contributed an array of sick bars to the battles. Both Paigey Cakey and Shotty mention the fact that the actors had a generous amount of input on the film, praising Ed Lily’s laid-back approach and care-free attitude towards the project. This is to be commended, particularly since actors can have added pressure and feel the need to distance themselves from their characters. This is not the case for VS. The comfort as well as improvisation of the characters are clearly evident in the film throughout.
While it can read like a narrative failing to reach a snowballing plot and lacks a certain noticeable zest, it makes up for it with the brilliant cinematography, not to mention exceptional casting. The film sees the acting debut of Connor Swindells who plays the main character, Adam, a troubled foster teen who aims to channel his self-destructive behaviour in order exorcise his demons and seek the acceptance he never had growing up. He is definitely a talent to watch out for; as well as other remarkable performances by Fola Evans-Akingbola who plays Makayla, and Jovian Wade who plays Blaze. It is also the writing debut of the director Ed Lily, who is from Southend himself.
Artist turned-actress-turned phenomenal battle rapper Paigey Cakey says: “I hope that when people watch the film that they don’t say that this is the ‘British 8-mile’ but just a dope film.” Of course there are parallels to the classic, but VS offers something much more, it’s brings insightful social commentary to the table whilst simultaneously highlighting the flourishing UK battle-rap scene, which has been horrendously neglected for far too long. We can certainly look forward to VS being acknowledged as one of the standouts coming out of the British independent film industry, and most definitely worthy of recognition and applause.
Words: Sahar Summer