Savage Beauty

Zinhle Manzini (Rosemary Zimu), a gorgeous young woman, connives her way into the Bengu family's existence, one of the most powerful in the South African beauty industry, on a quest to ruin the family from within for their previous actions against her and her siblings.

In the South African film industry, Zimu is a breath of fresh air, and I love seeing young people take up the baton and run with it. Even if she lacked the depth and intensity that conveys her deep resentment of the Bhengu family in some scenes, I believe she gave a solid performance in her role as Zinhle.

Mpho Sebeng, who played Zinhle's brother Bonga Selepe, I was not a fan of as much as I expected I'd be, despite the fact that he gave one of the best performances of the series. His pronunciation of Sesotho words could have been better and it's something he could look on improving.

Veteran actors, Dumisani Bhembe (Don Bhengu) and Nthati Moshesh (Grace Bhengu) were also a marvel to watch. Their casting has to be the best thing for this series as they put on one of the most wonderful performances of their careers.

The Cinematography was brilliant, including the locations which gave the series the feel and look it needed.

Dumisani Bhembe (Don Bhengu) and Nthati Moshesh (Grace Bhengu), both veteran actors, were also amazing to witness. Their casting has to be the best thing for this series, as they deliver one of their best performances to date.

The cinematography, particularly the settings, was excellent, giving the series the mood and look it required.

A big step up in terms of South African storytelling and production. Something different from the usual poverty, crime and HIV/AIDS and the way the vengeful storyline progresses is actually incredibly gripping and well captivated. Also excellent use of score, CMS and cinematography. Well done South Africa!

A great guilty pleasure drama. It has all the necessary elements of lust, greed, intrigue, and revenge. It is refreshing to see a drama using African beauty standards as opposed to Western as the norm.

Starts strong with a conventional but intriguing world building: rich family, dirt behind the glamour, past tragedies, etc.

It kind of loses its sparkle in the last episodes, because there are too many twist and turns and the vast majority are way too gratuitous.

Characters go from smart and manipulative to dumb and out of control with seemingly no reason, the quality of the script in general is a bit discontinuous and so is the tonal shift.

I would still give a chance to another season tho, just too see if they find a convincing way to wrap up the many subplots. Great soundtrack th.

Mmmm.

First of all, I would like to say that it is a very high quality production. The costumes and scenes were absolutely top quality. The character of Grace is definitely my favourite. The messages told in the series and the caste system are reflected very well. We realized once again how cunning and unethical the cosmetics industry is. The cruelty behind beauty is beautifully portrayed. Definitely watch it and let others watch it too.