By Khadisha Massey
Lovers Rock is one film in a larger collection by Steve McQueen called Small Axe. Lovers Rock is a heartwarming and wrenching combination of music, flirtation and cruelty. It takes place at a reggae house party in 1980: the music genre gives the film its name and incredible soundtrack. The film starts by following friends Martha (Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) and Patty (Shaniqua Okwok) as they sneak out to a house party. Once they arrive, though, reggae becomes the main character, with incredible dance sequences and costume that perfectly captures the identity children of Caribbean immigrants created for themselves. The plot of Lovers Rock is loose and there is much more to focus on than in a straightforward drama.
House parties were often the safest option for black people as the clubbing scene in the 1980s was exceptionally racist. These house parties allowed a place of freedom and self-expression that was not granted to black youth in the UK. Lovers Rock shows the space that black people created for themselves, and had to fight to keep, in a country whose hostilities and prejudice were made their problem every day. The media (with good reason) likes to focus on the struggles black people face so it is refreshing to see McQueen explore other aspects of the black experience and the beauty in it. Lovers Rock is a celebration of black joy. Even in the momentary moments of darkness there is optimism and joy within the community. However, McQueen is sure to highlight the blatant racism that was unavoidable, even when black people were in their own spaces.
The other films in the Small Axe collection feature racist police officers and the corrupt legal system. Lovers Rock showcases the soul and magic that happens when white people aren’t looking and reminds people that although there is racism thriving in our environment, we must take a moment to celebrate black joy.
Further Viewing:
Mangrove (2020) directed by Steve McQueen, available on Box of Broadcasts
Red, White, and Blue (2020) directed by Steve McQueen, available on Box of Broadcasts
12 Years A Slave (2013) directed by Steve McQueen, available on Box of Broadcasts
Babylon (1981) directed by Franco Rosso, available on Box of Broadcasts