Ep 2. Lovers Rock

In the second episode of Small Axe, entitled "Lovers Rock," viewers are transported to a house party in London's West Indian community in the early 1980s. Set over the course of a single night, the episode follows a young woman named Martha as she attends the party with her friends and meets a charming stranger named Frank.

As the party gets underway, the episode immerses viewers in the vibrant, joyful atmosphere of the dance floor. We see people of all ages and backgrounds mingling together, dancing to the music, and enjoying each other's company. And at the heart of it all is the music itself: the smooth, soulful sounds of lovers rock, a genre of reggae that originated in the UK and became hugely popular in the late '70s and '80s.

As the night wears on, Martha and Frank begin to get to know each other on the dance floor. But as they dance and chat, they also have to navigate the complications and tensions of the wider world outside the party. There are hints of racial tension in the air, and the police are a constant presence: watching from outside the house, raiding nearby clubs, and causing fear and suspicion among the partygoers.

Despite these challenges, the episode remains focused on the joy and beauty of the party itself. We see Martha and Frank falling deeper into their connection, moving together on the dance floor and sharing a tender moment under a street light outside the house. And we witness the power of music to bring people together and create moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

Throughout it all, the episode is shot and directed with a remarkable sense of intimacy and immediacy. Director Steve McQueen and cinematographer Shabier Kirchner use a mix of handheld and steady camera shots to capture the energy and movement of the party, giving viewers the sense of being right in the middle of the action. And the episode is filled with stunningly composed shots of faces and bodies, as well as evocative moments of stillness and quiet.

As a piece of storytelling, "Lovers Rock" is both simple and profound. It takes a single night, a single place, and a single set of characters, and uses them to explore themes of love, community, and resistance. And in doing so, it paints a moving and powerful portrait of a time and place that has often been overlooked and undervalued in British history.

Overall, "Lovers Rock" is a breathtaking work of art that deserves to be seen and celebrated. It's a testament to the power of music, the resilience of communities, and the importance of telling stories that might otherwise be forgotten. And it's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still joy to be found, love to be shared, and hope to be kindled.