Considering the impact that it’s had on modern culture, it’s shocking how few (decent) films have been made about rap music – with even less focussing on the UK scene. Hoping to change that with his debut feature VS., Ed Lilly’s hard-hitting coming of age drama follows a troubled teen as he rises through the underground ranks of the Southend rap world.
“This is a story close to my heart, set in a world that I’ve been a fan of for many years,” Lilly told Screen Daily. “I’m beyond excited at the opportunity to bring contemporary UK battle-rap to the big screen for the first time and work with this exciting cast of rising and established talent.”
Starring up-and-comers Conor Swindells, Fola Evans-Akingbola and Joivan Wade (The First Purge) alongside UK battle-rappers Shotty Horroh and Paigey Cakey, VS. looks like it’s hoping to be the British 8-Mile – with Swindell’s music career sharing the spotlight with his family problems on the fringes of modern Britain.
Take a look at the trailer below.
VS. opens on 19th October.