Umjolo: The Gone Girl Review – Love, Lies, And Betrayal In A Web Of Unpredictable Twists

In Umjolo: The Gone Girl, a couple’s seemingly perfect relationship unravels when one partner discovers the other’s infidelity. Directed by Fikile Mogodi, this South African romantic comedy marks Netflix’s first four-part film collection, which was released on the platform on Wednesday, November 8, 2024.

Plot

Lethu, an accomplished event planner, loyal friend, and hopeless romantic shares a seemingly perfect relationship with her boyfriend, Lucky. When tasked with organising Mayi’s umemulo, Lethu plans the event flawlessly. Although initially hesitant, the Jamas are impressed and offer Lethu the opportunity to plan their upcoming wedding.

Themba, Lucky’s brother and husband to Bridget, a notorious serial cheater, is introduced when Bridget discovers another woman’s pants while doing his laundry. Frustrated, Bridget confronts Themba, prompting him to call on his “perfect” brother, Lucky, to help repair their relationship. This cycle of infidelity and reconciliation has become a familiar routine for both Bridget and Themba.

Meanwhile, Amanda, Lethu’s best friend and assistant, arrives unexpectedly at Lethu and Lucky’s home, complaining that she forgot to order the cake for a client’s baby shower. Upset by Amanda’s lack of organisation, Lucky advises Lethu to distance herself from Amanda. In response, Amanda accuses Lucky of holding Lethu back from her friendships.

At Lethu and Lucky’s engagement party, tensions come to a head when Bridget discovers Themba flirting with another woman yet again. But this is not the only shock:  Lucky had been having an affair with Amanda. However, Lethu is unaware of this betrayal.

Meanwhile, Lethu and Amanda begin planning Jamas’ wedding, and Lethu visits a gynaecologist, initially concerned about a UTI. To her shock, she learns she has Chlamydia, an STI. Confronting Lucky about his infidelity, he admits to cheating but refuses to disclose with whom. Lethu later goes through Lucky’s phone, she finds evidence of multiple affairs.

Chapter 2 begins with Thembi being chased by high school students after being caught cheating. However, this event marks a turning point for Thembi, as he begins to reflect on his actions.

After a difficult conversation with Lucky, he admits that monogamy feels suffocating to him and asks for a chance to occasionally step outside their relationship, without it affecting his love for Lethu. In response, Lethu returns her engagement ring, choosing to leave him. Seeking advice and solace, Lethu visits her grandmother, who encourages her to confront her problems directly. Meanwhile, Lucky, struggling with the breakup, seeks counsel from Thembi, who is turning her life around. Amanda also attempts to rekindle things with Lucky, but he refuses.

Lethu eventually decides to return to Lucky, agreeing to his terms, but with a condition: they must enter an open relationship, as long as they avoid being involved with people they both know. Lucky reluctantly agrees.

Chapter 3 explores the consequences of an open relationship. Thembi, having committed to turning his life around, spends more time at home, showing affection and attention to Bridget. However, Bridget begins to feel overwhelmed and suffocated by Thembi’s drastic shift. Thembi confides in Lucky, admitting that while he is trying to change, he still cheats, but now in a more discreet and calculated manner. He also warns Lucky that Lethu may have fallen out of love with him.

Lethu, struggling with the terms of the open relationship, seeks advice from Amanda, who encourages her to embrace the new freedom. Meanwhile, Lucky continues his affair with Amanda, who starts demanding more attention from him. Lethu finds it increasingly difficult to step outside her relationship, while Lucky continues to live according to the terms of their agreement.

Eventually, Bridget uncovers Thembi’s ongoing infidelity, deepening the strain on their relationship. As Mayi weds her partner, Lethu begins to reflect on her own future with Lucky. The breaking point comes when she walks in on Lucky and Amanda together, leading her to question the viability of her relationship with him.

Cast

The ensemble cast was meticulously chosen, and each actor contributed to making the viewing experience truly enjoyable. No one tried to overplay their role, allowing the performances to feel authentic and well-balanced.

Shezi Sibongiseni who played Lethu, delivered a memorable performance, effortlessly portraying her emotions with such sincerity that it felt entirely real. Whether in her heart-wrenching crying scenes, moments of joy, or energetic dance sequences, she fully embodied her character and the film’s themes.

Lucky, portrayed by Tyson Mathonsi, was subtle yet effective in his role. He didn’t overdo it, but his performance was perfectly suited to the character, delivering the necessary depth without excess.

Thembi and Bridget, played by Ntando Mncube and Gugu Gumede, respectively, brought much-needed comic relief to the plot. Their performances added levity to the story, balancing the emotional intensity with humour.

Sam Sbosh, the narrator, provided additional comic relief. Though his character initially seemed unnecessary, his reactions to certain scenes resonated with the audience and captured what many viewers were thinking, making his presence more appreciated as the story progressed. Thobeka Shangase as Amanda brought her own unique charm to the role. Other notable actors are Baby Cele, Meshack Mavuso and others.

Language

Umjolo: The Gone Girl was primarily in Zulu, with the language woven throughout not only the dialogues but also the songs and ululations, enriching the cultural authenticity of the film.

Summary

Umjolo: The Gone Girl confidently boasts excellent scriptwriting, with a well-paced narrative that never feels rushed from start to finish. The writers and directors had a clear vision and stayed focused on their story, avoiding the temptation to over-explore the dynamics of the Jamas family, which many other films might have done. This sense of purpose added an element of unpredictability to the plot. The casting, setting, and locations were spot-on, with every detail carefully chosen—nothing felt excessive or out of place. 

Overall, it was an engaging and enjoyable watch, one that audiences would likely revisit.