Umjolo: There Is No Cure Movie Review – Battle For Love And Identity

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the highly anticipated fourth instalment of the Umjolo series arrives on Netflix. This latest chapter, Umjolo: There is no cure delves deeper into the life of Nana, a character briefly introduced in Umjolo: My Beginning! My End!. A reserved and introspective writer, Nana’s world turns unexpectedly when she crosses paths with the confident and charismatic Thoko Duma. What begins as a professional endeavour—a biography—quickly evolves into a complex and emotionally charged journey of self-discovery, love, and buried secrets.

Plot

Thoko Duma has always been a winner, an overachiever, a powerhouse, and the reigning Miss South Africa—until she wasn’t. After a controversial second-place finish at Miss Universe, Thoko’s refusal to accept defeat spirals into a scandalous interview, costing her the coveted crown back home. But Thoko is not one to stay down for long. If she can’t wear a crown, she’ll cement her legacy another way through a tell-all biography. And who better to write it than the elusive Nana Ndlovu?

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Nana, a talented yet introverted writer, has dodged her mother’s matchmaking efforts for years. But her biggest struggle isn’t romance—it’s her own identity. Anxious and uncertain, she skips out on a scheduled book signing, only to have fate intervene in the unlikeliest of places—a bathroom. That’s where she first crosses paths with Thoko Duma.

Thoko, always ten steps ahead, handpicks Nana to immortalize her story. With some coaxing from her best friend Zweli, Nana agrees but under strict conditions, including a rock-solid NDA. Yet, when their first official meeting arrives, Nana fumbles, too afraid to admit she’s actually the celebrated Liana Ndlovu. Instead, she pretends to be her own assistant. The lie sets off a chain reaction, leading to an unlikely friendship, countless late-night writing sessions, and feelings neither of them expected.

At a high-profile party, a tipsy Nana lets slip the truth—she has feelings for Thoko. Just as things heat up, a curveball is thrown: Chef Sindi, a rising culinary star, declares her and Thoko an official couple. Thoko, caught between damage control and personal feelings, plays along for the sake of sponsorships and luxury vacations. Meanwhile, Nana, devastated, withdraws into isolation.

While the world sees Thoko and Sindi as the perfect power couple, behind closed doors, things are far from blissful. Thoko’s heart isn’t in it. As Nana slowly heals, she finally closes the chapter on Thoko, sending her the completed manuscript. But Thoko isn’t ready to be a story of the past.

In a dramatic bookstore encounter, Thoko finally faces Nana again. The moment of truth arrives when Nana reveals her real identity. What happens next? That’s a story worth watching.

Cast

Umjolo: There Is No Cure features exceptional actors like Londeka Sishi, Busisiwe Mtshali, Tina Redman, Nombulelo Mhlongo, Yonda Thomas, Sibongiseni Shezi, Tyson Mathonsi, and Felix Hlophe.

Language

The movie was performed in Zulu.

Summary

The Umjolo franchise has always delivered when it comes to aesthetics—a beautiful cast, stylish costumes, and an effortlessly cool vibe. But when it comes to the plot? Well, that’s where things get shaky. While the attempt at inclusivity is commendable, the film lacks that wow factor to stand out truly.

The first instalment, Umjolo: Gone Girl, set the bar high, offering a fresh and gripping narrative that kept audiences hooked. Maybe it was the novelty, or maybe it was just better storytelling, but the latest entry struggles to recapture that magic.

While longtime fans of the franchise might still enjoy the visual appeal and familiar themes, those hoping for a groundbreaking twist or a fresh take might walk away feeling underwhelmed. Umjolo: There Is No Cure is fun to watch but don’t expect to be surprised.