Genre: Romance, drama, comedy
The Umjolo movies series is one of the best productions to come out of Netflix SA in a long time. The series includes Gone Girl, Day Ones, My Beginning, My End and There is No Cure, each one entertaining and intriguing in its own way.
The four movies focus on the complexities of dating, and highlight relationship issues such as commitment, friendship, infidelity and self-discovery. The films are set in ‘Mjoloville’, a fictional world where umjolo (dating) is the main focus of these young people’s lives.
Gone Girl focuses on Lucky and Lethu who are in a seemingly perfect relationship, until Lethu discovers Lucky’s serial cheating ways. The couple explores an open relationship and ultimately learn more about each other and themselves, and what their relationship can survive.
Day Ones tells the story of childhood besties Andile, who is married, and Zanele, who is single. After a night of forbidden fun, the pair struggle with their feelings for each other and their loyalties to Andile’s family. The story also highlights some issues around interracial relationships.
My Beginning, My End is about Mayi, who is engaged to be married, falling in love with Zweli and turns her life upside down as she contemplates her future and whether she is ready for a lifelong commitment with her fiancé.
The final film in the series, There is No Cure, is the queer love story of shy, introverted and awkward Nana and social butterfly and beauty pageant queen Thoko who navigate falling in love, despite the glaring differences between their personalities.
What makes the Umjolo series so special and unique is that all four stories are set in the same universe, with many of the characters interacting with each other in one way or another. It makes it feel like a continuous story with many moving parts that are all linked.
Some of the South African stars who stand out in the series include Londeka Sishi, Busisiwe Mtshali, Tina Redman, Nombulelo Mhlongo, Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku, Kay Sibiya and Yonda Thomas.
The stories can be seen as a true reflection of the dating world in the 21st century.
The movies are funny, educational and entertaining to watch, making them the perfect weekend binge watch.
All four movies in the Umjolo series are available for streaming on Netflix.
