Marked Review: A Netflix Series Filled With Desperation And Faith

If you thought one heist was enough, think again. Marked, a South African series directed by Akin Omotoso and now streaming on Netflix, is a gritty, emotionally charged rollercoaster that explores just how far a desperate mother will go to save her child. But this isn’t just another crime drama; it’s layered with betrayal, vengeance, corruption, and the messy tension between faith and survival.

Plot

Babalwa, a devout woman, ex-cop, and armoured truck guard at Iron Watch, and most importantly, a mother with a sick child. She was a devout woman, married to an equally devoted husband, Lungile. But their seemingly peaceful world began to unravel when their daughter, Pelesa, had a seizure and was later confirmed to be battling late-stage cancer. The doctors made it clear: surgery was needed immediately, but the costs were steep.

When traditional routes failed them, Babalwa and Lungile reportedly went to their pastor, requesting support or at least permission to host a fundraiser in church. Shockingly, the pastor refused, stating that the church had never done that for anyone before. Their next option was to appeal to Babalwa’s wealthy boss for a loan, but that too ended in disappointment. This sequence of rejections reportedly pushed Babalwa over the edge. Frustrated and desperate, she sought help from Baba G, a notorious underworld figure known for organising elaborate heists.

Baba G had long been searching for an insider or “finger” within Iron Watch. Babalwa offered herself up, stating clearly that it would be a one-time job, just enough to save her daughter. Babaji agreed, especially since Babalwa was an ex-cop, which made her even more valuable to his operation. Plans were made for the heist. Baba G’s team would intercept the truck, Babalwa would cooperate, and everyone would walk away with their share. But the plan was sabotaged by Razor, a rival gang leader seeking to unseat Baba G. What was supposed to be a clean job turned bloody. Baba G was shot and killed, and the money never made it to its destination.

Zweli, Baba G’s trusted protégé, was devastated and swore revenge on Razor. He then aligned himself with Babalwa, who now had two goals: secure funds for her daughter and help Zweli avenge Baba G’s death.

Meanwhile, authorities at Iron Watch suspected an inside job and launched a formal investigation. Leading the charge were Sergeant Malambo and Constable Modise, two officers Babalwa had exposed for corruption during her time on the force. Now, back on the case, they were said to be personally motivated to take her down.

As the tension escalated, it was revealed that Babalwa wasn’t the only one disillusioned by the church. Several other members, also burnt by the system, joined forces with her and Zweli to plan an even bigger heist, this time targeting Iron Watch’s secure money bunker. Interestingly, Zweli’s romantic relationship with the Iron Watch CEO’s daughter proved strategic, as she unknowingly provided key access codes. Still, Zweli remained fixated on eliminating Modise. Babalwa, unwilling to take that route, decided instead to drug Modise while on duty, leading to his suspension and removal from the case. This act only fueled his vendetta further.

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Eventually, Modise took his suspicions to Lungile, Babalwa’s husband, and disclosed her criminal activities. Lungile initially refused to believe it until he stumbled upon evidence himself, just before the church fundraiser. Heartbroken, he confronted Babalwa and urged her to cancel the plan. But Babalwa was too far gone. She had already chosen her path.

The final act of the story took place on a day that was meant to represent hope and redemption: the day of the major heist and also the day of the fundraiser. The fundraiser, surprisingly, went viral online, prompting generous donations. But Babalwa’s heart was already hardened; she didn’t trust faith or miracles anymore.

In the end, who would triumph: faith or survival instincts? Would Babalwa find redemption, or would she be consumed by the very system she tried to outsmart?

Cast

One of Marked strongest wins is undeniably in its casting. Every face on screen felt meant for the role, like the characters had been waiting for these specific actors to embody them. From the physical build to even the facial expressions, there was a natural synchronicity between the character and the actor. Lerato Mvelase especially delivered a solid performance, anchoring scenes with an intensity that was both commanding and believable.

The cast also includes Sphamandla Dhludhlu, S’dumo Mtshali, Bonko Khoza, Natasha Thahane, Ama Qamata, Desmond Dube, Mduduzi Mabaso, Jabulani Mthembu, and Jerry Mofokeng. Honestly, the entire cast seemed handpicked with care, and no one missed the mark. You could tell this wasn’t just about filling roles; it was about finding people who were the role.

Language

The series leaned into its South African roots, using Zulu as its primary language. 

Final take

While the core plot isn’t groundbreaking, South African cinema does seem to have a soft spot for the “desperation leads to crime” storylines. However, Marked still manages to grip you. Maybe it’s the desperation in Babalwa’s eyes or the tension that slowly builds, but you’ll find yourself watching with curiosity, even if you’ve seen similar setups before.

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And then comes the unexpected plot twist, Baba G’s death. Nobody saw it coming. Just when you think Babalwa will be his loyal pawn forever, boom, he’s out, and she’s forced to step up in a way we didn’t expect. That was the moment the story shifted gears and made it clear that this wasn’t going to be a basic rise-and-fall tale. It added weight, chaos, and real unpredictability.

Marked may follow a familiar path, but it does so with intensity, sharp casting, and enough edge to keep you curious. It’s not just the story; it’s how seriously the actors took their roles that makes it worth watching.