Some films entertain, others challenge, and a rare few unsettle us to the core while delivering an essential message.
The latest Netflix SA release, Umjolo: The Gone Girl, belongs to the latter category.
It is an uncomfortable film to watch but it is a necessary film, especially for the youth of our country. It explores the world of sex and dating and highlights the emotional and physical consequences of sleeping with multiple partners.
Lethu (Sibongiseni Shezi) and Lucky (Tyson Mathonsi) have been together for three years. They have a loving, happy relationship and get engaged.
However, we soon find out that all is not sunshine and roses when Lethu finds out that Lucky gave her an STD. To make matters worse, it becomes clear that Lucky is a serial cheater, having slept with almost 20 women, infecting all of them.
The film focuses on Lethu’s reaction to this massive betrayal.
She seeks out her grandmother who gives her rather toxic advice, implying that all men cheat and she should just accept that he at least makes her happy.
Lethu also proposes an open relationship that will allow both of them to see other people, a suggestion that Lucky does not take well, exposing the hypocrisy. “Am I not enough for you?” the man who justified his cheating by saying that he loves Lethu, but he can’t see himself sleeping with one partner for the rest of his life, asks.
As the viewer, it’s easy to get upset at Lucky’s behaviour and judge Lethu’s decision to stay and forgive his cheating. This is the reality of so many women, and men. Their partners cheat and they find themselves justifying the discretion and finding reasons to forgive them, when in reality, the only thing to do when your partner cheats is to leave the relationship.
Visually, the film is a pleasure to watch. It is filled with multiple shots that show the great scenery of SA. The film has, what may seem like an excessive amount of sex scenes but these highlight Lucky’s cheating nature.
There is also a side plot of Lucky’s brother, Themba (Ntando Menzi Ncube), who is also a serial cheater. His wife Bridget (Gugu Gumede) is constantly finding out about his cheating. Their storyline is just as important and real, but it is played out in a humorous way.
The film does a really good job of highlighting the seriousness of cheating and the dangers of unprotected sex. It provides much needed education around sex and unsafe sexual behaviour.
It is an uncomfortable experience that forces viewers to confront harsh realities, making it not just a movie, but a call to reflection and awareness
Umgowo: The Gone Girl is available for streaming on Netflix.
