Umjolo: Day Ones Movie Review – Love, Friendship, And Life’s Twists

Netflix’s second four-part South African film collection delivers a blend of romance and drama, Umjolo: Day Ones. Directed by the talented Fikile Mogodi, this cinematic duo dives deep into the complexities of friendship and love.

At its heart are Zanele and Andile, inseparable besties since day one. But life has a funny way of shaking things up. Now, with Andile married and raising kids, Zanele questions their friendship in this new chapter.

Packed with relatable dilemmas and a sprinkle of South African charm, these films explore the unspoken truths of relationships and the bonds that stand the test of time—or don’t. Whether you’re here for the drama or the feels, Umjolo and Day Ones are sure to leave you reflecting on your own “day ones.”

Plot

For over 20 years, Zanele and Andile have been the epitome of best friends. Andile, now married to Jess and a father of two, has always shared a close bond with Zanele—a closeness Jess embraced as Zanele became the perfect aunt to their kids. But beneath the surface, Zanele has quietly wrestled with unrequited feelings for Andile. To complicate things further, Andile’s family has always preferred Zanele over Jess.

The fragile balance of their friendship shatters during a school reunion when Zanele and Andile cross the line into forbidden territory. While Zanele moves on quickly, Andile finds himself unable to let go of what happened. Enter Sbu, a charismatic lounge owner and one of Zanele’s clients, who sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world. Things seem promising until Sbu brings up the idea of starting a family—a deal breaker for Zanele, prompting her to end things.

Three months after the fateful reunion, Zanele discovers she’s pregnant. Though the baby is Andile’s, she pins the paternity on Sbu, who accepts it wholeheartedly. But fate intervenes when Zanele and Andile cross paths again, and she confesses the truth: the baby is his, but she wants him out of her life. Andile reluctantly agrees, until a gender reveal live stream reveals she’s expecting a boy. Unable to contain his emotions, Andile crashes the event, causing a scene that ultimately destroys his marriage to Jess.

With Andile’s marriage in ruins and emotions running high, one question lingers: will this revelation bring Zanele and Andile closer together, or has their bond been irrevocably broken? 

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Cast

Sibusisiwe Jili shines as Zanele, effortlessly capturing her character’s emotional evolution. From her silent longing for Andile to her eventual indifference, Jili’s ability to communicate these shifts without needing words is a testament to her talent.

Khumbalani Kay Sibiya steps into Andile’s shoes with conviction, delivering a performance that is both frustrating and relatable. While Andile’s choices often make him hard to root for, Sibiya’s nuanced portrayal adds layers to the character, making it impossible not to empathise with him—at least occasionally.

Trix Vivier plays Jess, Andile’s wife, but her portrayal of the character falls somewhat flat. The emotional depth Jess’s scenes demanded often felt underwhelming, which could have added more gravity to the story’s intense moments.

In contrast, Menzi Biyela brings authenticity to Sbu, Zanele’s brief love interest. Known for his musical artistry, Biyela’s understated and natural performance gives Sbu a quiet charm that resonates.

Rounding out the cast are Shezi Sibongiseni and Tyson Mathonsi, familiar faces from Gone Girl, as friends to Zanele and Andile. Their presence adds warmth and a sense of camaraderie to the story. Meanwhile, Sam Sbosh lends their voice as the narrator in Day Ones, tying the two films together with a rich storytelling touch.

Language

Umjolo: Day Ones was performed in isiZulu, a native South African language. IsiZulu, part of the Southern Bantu languages in the Nguni branch, is widely spoken and indigenous to Southern Africa.

Summary

The second installment in the Umjolo series, Day Ones, had big shoes to fill after the success of Gone Girl. Unfortunately, while it showed great promise in its opening moments, the film ultimately left many viewers disappointed.

The story began with intrigue and the potential for deep emotional exploration, but it stumbled as it approached the finish line. The ending, in particular, felt rushed and unsatisfactory, leaving audiences craving more resolution. While the film’s realism might resonate with some, it failed to strike the right chord, leaving many grappling with moral unease rather than emotional closure.

Andile’s family dynamics added to the frustration, with their constant meddling and favouritism coming across as more grating than impactful. While such themes are grounded in reality, the film struggled to deliver a cohesive message that viewers could connect with.