Cook Off

I am usually not enthusiastic to watch African movies, their scripts are usually unrealistic and their acting poor. However, i really enjoyed this movie; despite my initial doubt. The script is good and original, most the actors did well too.

I saw an article on The Guardian about the very first Zimbabwean film on Netflix. I like a bit of fluffy romcom from time to time, and it's Netflix that got me into them with the Christmas Prince films, so decided I'd give this one a go. This is a romcom, so complaining that it's relatively predictable misses the point. Of course it's predictable - right down to the main characters being cooks/chefs which is so common in these films! - but it's also charming. The actors who play Anesu and Prince have good chemistry, the son is sweet and the sassy best friend is a romcom standard but she's great. Of course it isn't perfect, and it's obviously been made on the smell of an oily rag. But within the limited budget it's done very well, and the fact they were able to use the actual set of the Zimbabwean cooking show they're competing on in the film was a definite bonus. Lastly there are a few subplots that aren't as fleshed out as the could be - the relationship between Anesu and her mum is strained for most of the movie and resolved without any real discussion, and the storyline with Milly Ann sort of just ends. An extra five minutes explaining these two elements would have lifted this film even more. Overall this is an enjoyable film. All the normal romcom tropes are here, but clearly done through a different lens to our Western primarily English-speaking film industries. If you like romcoms but want to see something other than the normal white faces in smalltown USA, this is worth your time.

I discovered this movie on Netflix Australia the other night after scrolling, scrolling, scrolling...ooh - wait a minute - did I just find a movie from Zimbabwe? Wow - never seen one. Well I'm so glad I dived in, because it was a treat!

There was some great acting, some popping chemistry between Anesu and her swooney suitor, lots of laughs - and I must mention the fantastic music tracks - I wrote them all down so I can explore later!

'Cook Off' gives us a rare glimpse into life in Zimbabwe - or life in a Zimbabwean film I guess, whatever - because in that glimpse, of course, we see the same funny, silly, cranky, sweet, scared, spunky humans doing their thing, having their dramas, loves and laughs - just like all over this tiny, spinning globe we're clinging on to.

Meanwhile, I'm really looking forward to the next Zimbabwean film.

For a Zimbabwean movie, I am impressed with the production, the script, the site and content! I loved the energy of the actors and the synergy of "Old timers" in the Zimbabwean film industry and the New Kids on the block!

Well Done!

Cook Off is Zimbabwe's first ever flick on Netflix and it was a breath of fresh air. The cast was impeccable and did a marvelous job executing a heart warming and well crafted story. And to believe that it was shot and produced for less than $10000 makes it even more accomplished. Enjoyed it!