Beats
2019 · Movie · NR · 100 min · ★ 6.7 · 82% critics
Summer 1994 in Scotland: two best mates bond over adventure, but one is being moved away as life pressures build. Determined to squeeze in one last night of escape, they set out for an illegal rave together before their paths split indefinitely.
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Details
- Years
- 2019
- Release date
- 2019-05-17
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 82/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.7/10 (86 votes)
About
If you want an energetic, friendship-focused look at 90s Scotland rave culture, Beats is a great match; Not for you if you dislike illegal rave stories or expect a perfectly consistent experience from start to finish—especially if you’re picky like with Quadrophenia or Sing Street.
Pros: nostalgic rave realism; standout performances; gritty black-and-white vibe | Cons: uneven final act; divisive soundtrack choice; some viewers find it frustrating
Themes
- friendship
- scotland
- rave culture
- 1990s
Awards & recognition
- IFFR audience award · 2019 · nominated
Cast & crew
Lorn Macdonald
as Spanner
Laura Fraser
as Alison
Brian Ferguson
as Robert
Ross Mann
as D-Man
Gemma McElhinney
as Laura
Amy Manson
as Cat
- RJ
Rachel Jackson
as Wendy
Neil Leiper
as Fido
Kevin Mains
as Les
Stephen McCole
as Sergeant Ian Black
Directed by Brian Welsh