Local movies have earned a special place in the hearts of Mzansi. It also explains why streaming platforms keep investing in these offerings.
Now, if you’ve been following the “Umjolo” film franchise on Netflix, you probably also watched the fourth offering, “Umjolo: There Is No Cure”.
Of course, Stained Glass has cemented its prowess in the romance genre. The stories mirror real-life struggles in relationships, addressing issues related to commitment-phobic partners, open relationships, infidelity and so forth.
The stories are relatable. The casting is praiseworthy and the direction, deft.
Needless to say, the latest movie is no different.
Set in Durban, it follows Thoko (Londeka Sishi), an openly lesbian beauty queen who, after losing her title due to a scandal, has been attracting a lot of heat from the media.
Her close friend and manager, B, played by Tina Redman, tries to get her to the right events to do a bit of damage control.
Meanwhile, Thoko, who is a huge fan of author Liane Ndlovu (Busisiwe Mtshali), decides to ask her to ghostwrite her autobiography.
Thoko feels it’s the best way to tell her story to the world.
However, Liane is an introvert. Socialising or speaking in public spaces isn’t her thing. So when Thoko, whom she bumped into at a book signing of hers, makes the request, Liane agrees to do so but poses as an assistant instead of herself.
As the two meet regularly to chat, a deeper bond develops. They get along like a house on fire. And there’s this undeniable attraction.
A larger-than-life personality, Thoko invites Liane to a few events. It isn’t long before Liane falls head over heels, only for a curveball to hit.
After meeting Sindi Sodi (Nombulelo Mhlongo) at a shindig at her home, Thoko and her are mistaken for being an item.
Not long after, they are approached by a company for a reality show. B, to revive Thoko’s career, suggests she take up the offer while trying to launch her memoir.
Hesitant at first, Thoko goes along with the fake relationship, which leaves Liane shattered.
As with most love stories, the path isn’t easy. But, after a few life lessons and apologies, things eventually fall into place.
Sushi is such a marvel to watch. She exudes sass, confidence, and honesty, truly owning the role. Mtshali's convincing portrayal of her shy character adds a comedic touch, grounding the drama. The dynamic performances of Redman and Mhlongo in their supporting roles add depth to the narrative.
Overall, this is an enjoyable movie, adroitly directed with the cinematography capturing Durban’s beauty perfectly.
∎ “Umjolo: There Is No Cure” is streaming on Netflix.
Rating: 3/5 *** Solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.
Another local movie recommendation:
Disaster Holiday
This family comedy lives up to its name. Kenneth Nkosi helms it as Joseph Ngema, a father and husband who struggles to juggle his pressurising work commitments as an advertising executive with that of being present in his children’s lives.
With his ex-wife Dora (Tina Jaxa) threatening him with custody, Joseph, along with his second wife Nandi (Lunathi Mampofu), attempts to provide more structure for the kids.
However, a planned family holiday to Zanzibar is derailed by a major pitch, which is a make-or-break deal for Joseph’s career, and he, in an attempt to keep everyone happy, changes it to a road trip to Durban.
Of course, it goes pear-shaped, and, in the end, the importance of work-life balance becomes a steep learning curve for him.