Catching Feelings

What a nice comedy to watch with your partner, it's romantic and the storyline is easy to follow.

I was excited to see this movie as an ex-South African. And I loved the scenery, the Joburg vibe, the reality of this little slice of middle class South Africa. But, on the other hand I was bored. The movie was slow. The acting was ok, but the story line weak. I found myself skipping parts. So a medium review I'm afraid. Hoping for better stuff next time.

It's so great to see a fresh perspective coming out of Johannesburg and this film has plenty of moments that feel so authentically real for modern South Africans. I loved the characters, the snappy dialogue, particularly from Lediga, with his dry, politically charged wit. The subtle socio-political commentary was also really brilliantly executed. But there were some low moments too. The story felt disjointed and the characters didn't seem to develop. We learn that they are both going through their own internal conflict, but we never see them deal with it openly as a couple or find any resolution in the end. Max is cynical and pessimist, stuck in a creative rut but ultimately doesn't seem to change or learn anything in the end. The ending is rushed and confusing. I get that there were some things that needed to be left unsaid, but there were definitely some that required a little more rounding off to give the viewer closure.

While the acting was solid, the characters are led through a bunch of situations - many of which are drinking scenes - where the jealousy, love, anger, commitment, and freewill are explored. Overall, the film is scattered and disconnected. Even the B-Roll is duplicated. The story also tries to be intellectual, hip, and socially progressive against a backdrop of traditional values. This just confuses the view into thinking the movie might be about something. Ultimately, the movie ends.

With a great production value and believable performances from the cast this certainly is worth a watch.Max, Sam, Heiner, and Joel all deliver and do not disappoint.

It is interesting to see how Johannesburg life amongst the successful is portrayed, and the visuals are great. The story seems to lag at times, but it works well as a RomCom as we associate with the dilemmas and choices made by the characters as they muddle through their respective situations.

An interesting portrayal of a modern day romantic couple in the South Africa of today.