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Beats
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Scottish indie about '90s rave scene has cursing, drug use.
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Beats
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What's the Story?
Set in 1994, BEATS tells the story of two Scottish teens, Johnno (Cristian Ortega) and Spanner (Lorn Macdonald) who despite being best friends are soon to head in different directions. Recognizing that their friendship is coming to an end, the two decide to head to an illegal rave in search of the "best night of their lives."
Is It Any Good?
This Scottish indie comedy-drama will jolt the memory of some and shine a light on an often overlooked counter-culture for others. The British rave scene of the 1980s and early 1990s saw thousands of revelers regularly attend illegal gatherings to drink, take drugs, and dance until sunrise. With its banging soundtrack, questionable casual sportswear, and news bulletins playing in the background, director Brian Welsh captures this time period perfectly. The final rave is a sweaty mess of teens and 20-somethings putting all their troubles and worries to one side as they dance the night away. The scene is perhaps overlong but it captures the energy and out of body experience its ravers are enjoying -- Welsh interjects color imagery in what otherwise is a movie filmed entirely in black and white.
By setting the movie in 1994, Beats takes place at point where the illegal rave scene was coming to an end -- not least due to British Government legislation that banned mass gatherings where music with "repetitive beats" was played. But for central characters and first-time ravers, Johnno and Spanner, the story also marks the coming to an end of their friendship. Polar opposites -- Johnno shy and reserved; Spanner outgoing and kind, but from the wrong side of the tracks -- there's a subtle affection between the two friends rarely portrayed between male teen characters. A touching tale of teenage friendship told to the backdrop of some heavy beats.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drinking and drug use in Beats. Are there consequences? Does it glamorize it?
Discuss the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Talk about the friendship between Johnno and Spanner. What made them such good friends? What is the cause of their friendship to break down? How might this have been different if social media had been around? Have you lost touch with friends over the years? If so, what were the reasons why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 17, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: June 26, 2020
- Cast: Cristian Ortega , Lorn Macdonald , Laura Fraser
- Director: Brian Welsh
- Studio: Music Box Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship , Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 22, 2023
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