Soft Love Movie Review: A Tale Of Healing, Secrets, And Romance In Jo’burg

Set amidst Johannesburg’s buzzing streets and breathtaking skyline, Soft Love is a heartwarming romantic drama that’s sure to tug at your emotions. The story follows a young woman, still reeling from the heartbreak of being stood up on her wedding day, as she embarks on a journey of healing. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a charismatic Nigerian man, grappling with the challenges of building his career while guarding a life-changing secret.

Directed by Holmes Awa, the film masterfully blends raw emotion with the complexities of modern relationships. Available now on Prime Video, Soft Love is a perfect pick for a cosy night, filled with laughter, tears, and a dash of intrigue.

Plot

At the heart of the story is Zandi, a lively relationship influencer whose world unravels when her long-time love, Zulu, proposes after 15 years of being together—only to flee on their wedding day. Zulu’s shocking revelation? He’s been hiding his true identity and finally comes out of the closet, leaving Zandi to face not just heartbreak but also the internet’s merciless ridicule as the “Catch-My-Man Bride.”

In an effort to heal, Zandi teams up with her loyal friend TK for a night out. At the club, she meets Edward, a charismatic Nigerian photographer chasing his dreams in South Africa. Sparks fly, and the two dive headfirst into a romance that feels like a fresh start. But Edward has his struggles. Cut off by his wealthy family for pursuing photography, he finds himself broke just as his career begins to take off. Zandi steps up to help, organising a fundraiser to support him. Yet, unbeknownst to her, Edward secretly takes questionable sponsorship money tied to the current company he works at, setting the stage for betrayal.

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Just as their love story blooms, Edward’s past barges in with a shocking twist—his wife, Amaka, arrives unannounced. The revelation sends Zandi reeling. Fuelled by anger and heartbreak, she exposes Edward’s fraudulent sponsorship, leading to his professional downfall in South Africa.

The chaos doesn’t end there. Back in Nigeria, Edward and his sister, Chioma, uncover Amaka’s web of deception. She has been embezzling from the family business all along. Meanwhile, Zandi begins to regret her hasty revenge after finding a heartfelt message Edward left behind. Determined to make amends, she embarks on a journey to Nigeria, setting the stage for an emotional confrontation and, perhaps, a second chance at love.

Cast

The cast of Soft Love was well-suited to the story, featuring talents like Cindy Mahlangu, Efa Iwara, Genoveva Umeh, Rosemary Ziwo, Carol King, and Dorcas Shola Fapson (Ms. DSF), among others.

It’s no surprise that seasoned actors like Efa Iwara, Genoveva Umeh, and Carol King delivered outstanding performances, effortlessly bringing momentum and charm to the film. However, Cindy Mahlangu’s portrayal truly stood out. Her nuanced performance and soft-spoken demeanour aligned perfectly with the movie’s tone and plot, making her character both relatable and captivating.

Ms. DSF also delivered a commendable performance, fully embodying her role with authenticity and flair. 

Language

Soft Love was predominantly performed in English. 

Summary

Soft Love delivers a good plot, making it the perfect romantic movie for a lazy day. The setting and location were undeniably aesthetic, adding a visual charm to the story. The costumes were simple yet effective, fitting seamlessly into the movie’s overall theme.

While the plot was solid, it didn’t venture far from familiar romantic tropes. However, one notable flaw was the abrupt transition in Edward’s story, particularly how his arrest led to his return to Nigeria. This part felt glossed over, leaving a noticeable gap in the narrative. While unpredictability can be a strength, it’s important to avoid leaving unresolved loopholes.

That said, Soft Love remains an enjoyable film with its heartfelt moments and engaging characters, making it worth the watch.