What to Watch in Southern Africa This Month
This November, a variety of titles hit South African screens, offering everything from captivating documentaries to sci-fi thrillers, and brings you all the drama surrounding reality television reunions. Dig in!
‘The Fix’ (South Africa)
Photo courtesy of Showmax.
Grace van Dien stars as Ella in the Showmax’s ‘The Fix.’
The Fix is Showmax’s latest foray into the world of horror. The adrenaline-filled feature film written and directed by Kelsey Egan, follows a model’s transformation after taking a new designer drug at a party. She then develops superpowers that could save humanity. Filmed in Cape Town, the film is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is also well-written and well-acted. It stars Grace van Dien (Chrissy Cunningham in Stranger Things S4), alongside the likes of Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead) and Nicole Fortuin (Heart of the Hunter).
Where to watch: Showmax
‘Love Never Lies: South Africa’ (South Africa)
Love Never Lies: South Africa is the local adaptation of the Love Never Lies unscripted reality series franchise that had its debut in 2021. Six couples are chosen and put through tests to determine how strong their love for each other is. In this world, lies cost money, and trust comes with a handsome reward. Minnie Dlamini has been chosen as the host for this series that debuts November 29.
Where to watch: Netflix.
‘The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice Reunion’ (South Africa)
This reality show features some of Durban’s most affluent women. In the reunion season, cracks in what appears to be cordial relationships between the ladies are exposed. Neetasha Singh Bugwandin, who abruptly walked off set during one of the episodes, has disclosed the reason for her action. “As strong and fearless as I am, I will not tolerate being in an environment where I feel threatened, bullied or harassed. I walked out to protect myself and my mental health. I know the value I bring and I could not endure any further mistreatment,” she said.
Where to watch: Showmax.
‘Ernest Cole: Lost and Found’ (South Africa)
Ernest Cole is one of the most influential South African photographers to have existed. While his images of the apartheid regime’s brutality did contribute to shedding light on the horrors of an oppressive state, he was just at home photographing everyday life. He went into exile in America in 1966, where he continued photographing the realities of American life. Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Raul Peck, brings to life the story of 60,000 negatives of Cole’s work that had previously been thought to be missing. The film is voiced by Lakeith Steinfeld, who lends a warm but firm, unshaking tone to Cole’s writings.
Where to watch: In U.S. theaters from November 22.
‘Umjolo: The Gone Girl’ (South Africa)
Umjolo: The Gone Girl, is the first of a four-part anthology under the Umjolo banner, being produced by Stained Glass TV and directed by Fikile “Mr Fiks” Mogodi. Umjolo: The Gone Girl tells the story of a woman whose feelings get altered forever following a doctor’s appointment.
Where to watch: Netflix
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