Catching Feelings

While the acting was solid, the characters are led through a bunch of situations - many of which are drinking scenes - where the jealousy, love, anger, commitment, and freewill are explored. Overall, the film is scattered and disconnected. Even the B-Roll is duplicated. The story also tries to be intellectual, hip, and socially progressive against a backdrop of traditional values. This just confuses the view into thinking the movie might be about something. Ultimately, the movie ends.

It's so great to see a fresh perspective coming out of Johannesburg and this film has plenty of moments that feel so authentically real for modern South Africans. I loved the characters, the snappy dialogue, particularly from Lediga, with his dry, politically charged wit. The subtle socio-political commentary was also really brilliantly executed. But there were some low moments too. The story felt disjointed and the characters didn't seem to develop. We learn that they are both going through their own internal conflict, but we never see them deal with it openly as a couple or find any resolution in the end. Max is cynical and pessimist, stuck in a creative rut but ultimately doesn't seem to change or learn anything in the end. The ending is rushed and confusing. I get that there were some things that needed to be left unsaid, but there were definitely some that required a little more rounding off to give the viewer closure.

This movie is perfect. The people, the standard is tops... everything. It definitely didn't get the publicity and attention it deserves. Give us more Kagiso.

I was excited to see this movie as an ex-South African. And I loved the scenery, the Joburg vibe, the reality of this little slice of middle class South Africa. But, on the other hand I was bored. The movie was slow. The acting was ok, but the story line weak. I found myself skipping parts. So a medium review I'm afraid. Hoping for better stuff next time.

Husband and I reluctantly started watching the movie, not sure where the story was going. Good job we persevered, difficult to watch in places but with a stimulating sense of social realism and a focus on the thoughts and motivations of characters as opposed to a goal-driven storyline. Would love to see Kagiso Lediga on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah!