Watch To Be Someone

To Be Someone is a British coming-of-age drama film released in 2020, directed by Ray Burdis and stars Sam Gittins, George Appleby, Leslie Ash and Laura McMonagle. The film is set in London’s mod revival scene in the 1980s, with an emphasis on the music, style, and attitudes of the time. The plot follows the journey of a working-class young man, Rocker, played by Sam Gittins, who is disillusioned with his mundane life and craving a change of scene. He finds solace in the mod culture, its music and fashion, and a group of like-minded youth. Together, they embrace the mod lifestyle, with its emphasis on individuality, rebellion, and self-expression. At the same time, Rocker finds himself entangled in a love triangle with fellow mod Steph, played by Laura McMonagle, and his best friend, Mod, portrayed by George Appleby.

The story is accompanied by a soundtrack featuring a mix of classic mod and rock songs from the 60s and 70s, as well as original music created for the film. The film’s stylish visuals, which capture the feel of the mod era, add to the story’s appeal. Its focus on the mod way of life provides an interesting and entertaining insight into the subculture and is a tribute to the spirit of the mod movement.

The film also tackles significant issues such as class differences, relationships, and finding one’s place in the world, which make the story relatable to a broader audience. The complications in the love triangle and the other challenges that Rocker and his friends face offer substantial drama and conflict, giving the audience plenty to digest.

Sam Gittins' portrayal of Rocker is compelling, with his character's journey representing the struggles of the working class youth in Thatcher-era England. Leslie Ash, who plays Rocker’s mum, provides a strong sense of maternal guidance and compassion that balances the film's more intense moments. George Appleby is impressive as Mod and is entirely convincing as an enthusiastic mod follower, with his energetic portrayal contributing to the film's high energy.

Overall, To Be Someone is a fun, engaging film that offers an entertaining portrayal of a lesser-known subculture, with excellent performances from its cast. Although the movie is mainly aimed at the mod and rock enthusiasts’ audience, its themes and storytelling can be enjoyed by anyone. The film's message of staying true to oneself and forging one's identity in a changing society is a universal one that resonates with various audiences.

In conclusion, To Be Someone is an enjoyable movie capable of bringing back the mod revival era's spirit, a time when young people expressed their individuality through music, fashion, and attitude. Its themes are relevant even today, its musical score is worth revisiting, and its actors provide a lovely portrayal of the movie’s characters. Whether you are a lover of indie films, subcultures or just a great drama with amazing music, To Be Someone ticks all the boxes.

To Be Someone is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.