User reviews

I never knew this was out and I do like a bit of battle rap now and again but was so moved by the story and the performance it has inspired me to review this (which is something i never normally do). But all I can say is wow I was glued to the monitor watching it, I paid £3.5 rent it on google play and it was money well spent, for a small film it did really well. Highly recommend watching it even if you do not like battle rap.

'VS. (2018)' is a compelling and, at times, emotionally resonant film that focuses on a troubled teenager (played by a guy who doesn't even come close to passing for seventeen) who, after being bounced around from foster home to foster home, finally finds an outlet for his inner anger when he stumbles upon the Southend rap-battle scene. It's an engaging and enjoyable time throughout, one that's brought to life with confident - if ever-so-slightly unremarkable - filmmaking and is based on an assured, effective screenplay. The acting is surprisingly good across the board, especially from the lead (who makes his feature debut), as it feels totally naturalistic and adds to the piece's realist aesthetic. It also bolsters the subtle and generally excellent character-work - which is what really drives the feature. The focus on character even runs through the flick's lyrically-accomplished and occasionally challenging battle sequences, which ultimately show an excellent understanding of the culture and even aim to dismantle some of its most toxic of tropes. While these sequences are the loudest and most energetic, they're rarely matched by the sheer power of the picture's quieter moments - a fine feat, indeed. When the two worlds collide in the impressive - if slightly convenient - finale, you'd be hard-pressed not to get a smile on your face. 7/10

Rap is poetry, this movie showed battle rapping and its hatred, showed more about our speech as humans and how impactful words can be. Simple, yet very real life story of young man who finds its way through expressing himself and win because of his creativity. It shows the british battle rap scene in its unique essence, and gives the young generation true message, that life is not about the hate u give and that you achieve only great suffering by blaming others.

This movie very much comes across as the British version of 8 Miles.

Adam is a 17 year old youth with anger issues since being rejected by his young mum at the age of 4.

Growing up in various foster homes, he will reach the end of the social care system when he turns 18.

It is implied he might end up in secure accommodation due to his volatile temper.

A chance encounter brings him into contact with the local rap battle scene.

It gives Adam an opportunity to meet new people. Also to come to terms with the relationship with his natural mother.

The rap part is weak and your mileage might vary with rappers insulting each other often using homophobic language. Even worse when a white rapper uses Jamaican homophobic terms.

However I did get caught up in Adam's story and director Ed Lilly did a good job in using a rap battle for Adam to finally understand what her mother might have gone through as a single mother at the age of 16.

The rap battles being done A copella is more don't flop and usa street ciphers, not like uk scene like lord of the mics where mcs spit over beats, i know pro green came from the jump off which is this style but rhays when the uk d8snt have an established platform to preform on in our own way !!!

Poorly directed and one of the most boring films out there...barely entertainment. The Griswolds had far better quality entertainment on tv in the London hotel when on their European vacation.

Judging from the title, I thought it was a comedy, and to me, it was. What a crock of nonsense.

It's not a YouTube film so obviously the production value is better. It's got a good story and very human characters, the battling is icing on the cake. Shotty Horroh plays a believable villain as Slaughter. I liked the ending too. If you like battle rap you'll like the movie. The cameos are great fan service and the soundtrack was well-curated. They even threw in some of Shotty's music, which I enjoyed. I'm glad they didn't make it a comedy, I thought Bodied didn't do as good a job with characters or the ending. There are some lines that reference 8 Mile, and I haven't seen it in a long time but this movie gives it a run for its money IMO. Just needs some time to settle.

I bought the character development and the altercations were well-performed. It's not a bad movie, not sure what the fuss is about.

I am not into rap music or anything related to this movie, I only watched it because I recognise the main actor from Sex Education and The actress from Sirens. I am surprised by how Powerful this film is, very emotive and realistic! I know people like Adam! It's seriously underrated. If you're scrolling through on Netflix and come across this film and you end up here reading reviews, watch it!

I think actor has done good job.. looks like good Amount of life lessons and some great rap battles...it's underrated.. it's about a journey of a rapper who tries to fit in to the game and make sense of his life along side..