Netflix - The South African https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/ South Africa News Fri, 03 May 2024 10:10:55 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-TSA-Logos-TSA-320px-x-320px-02-1-1-32x32.png Netflix - The South African https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/ 32 32 Baby Reindeer: What’s all the fuss about Netflix’s hit series? https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/baby-reindeer-whats-all-the-fuss-about-netflix-hit-series-richard-gadd-martha-watch-trending/ Fri, 03 May 2024 10:10:39 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=2085340 Netflix’s new miniseries Baby Reindeer is trending on Netflix – and it’s the kind of show that’ll have you glued to your TV screen.

Baby Reindeer is a British black comedy drama-thriller miniseries created by and starring Richard Gadd.

It’s an adaptation of Gadd’s autobiographical one-man show of the same name.

According to Forbes, it unravels Scottish comedian Gadd’s real life experience of being stalked and sexually assaulted in his twenties.

The series consists of seven episodes, all of which simultaneously premiered on Netflix on 11 April 2024.

It received critical acclaim and topped Netflix’s Global Weekly Top 10 TV (English).

SPOILER: To read what happens in each of the seven episodes, click HERE

Have you watched Baby Reindeer?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Production

Development

The series was announced in December 2020, with Richard Gadd set to write the series and star. 

Clerkenwell Films was set to produce. Weronika Tofilska was added as the director in August 2022. In March 2023 Josephine Bornebusch was announced as an additional director.

Casting

Richard Gadd was cast alongside the series announcement. Jessica Gunning was cast on 26 August 2022. Nava Mau was announced as a cast member in March 2023.

Filming

Filming began in mid-August 2022 at the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, Scotland. Filming also took place in London and wrapped wrapped by early March 2023.

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 36 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 8.8/10.

The website’s consensus reads: “A bracing work of autofiction by creator and star Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer can be a punishing watch but richly rewards viewers with its emotional complexity and excellent performances.”

On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 87 out of 100 based on 10 critics.

Audience viewership

Baby Reindeer debuted at No 5 on Netflix’s Top 10 TV English titles for the tracking week of 8-14 April 2024 with 10.4 million hours viewed.

In the following week it climbed to No 1 and garnered 52.8 million viewing hours.

Cast and characters

  • Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn, a fictionalised version of Gadd
  • Jessica Gunning as Martha Scott, a former lawyer with a criminal past
  • Nava Mau as Teri, a therapist Donny meets on a trans dating site
  • Tom Goodman-Hill as Darrien O’Connor, a television writer who takes Donny under his wing
  • Shalom Brune-Franklin as Keeley, Donny’s ex-girlfriend
  • Nina Sosanya as Liz, Keeley’s mother and Donny’s landlady
  • Michael Wildman as Greggsy, owner of the pub Donny works in
  • Danny Kirrane as Gino, Donny’s coworker
  • Amanda Root as Elle, Donny’s mother
  • Mark Lewis Jones as Gerry, Donny’s father
  • Hugh Coles as Francis, Donny’s friend from drama school
  • Alexandria Riley as Detective Culver, the detective assigned to Donny’s case
  • Thomas Coombes as Officer Daniels, an incompetent police officer
  • Tom Durant Pritchard as Jason, host of a comedy competition
  • Laura Smyth as Glenda, M.C. of the comedy competition
  • Will Hislop as Billy, fellow comedian
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Netflix seals $5 billion deal to stream WWE https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/netflix-seals-5-billion-dollar-deal-to-stream-wwe-vince-mcmahon-the-rock/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:07:39 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1965001 Netflix on Tuesday sealed a long-term broadcast deal with the WWE professional wrestling juggernaut, as the streaming giant pushes further into sporting events.

BOOKMARK | For the latest helpful, insightful and expert news, visit The South African website

Beginning in the United States in 2025, Netflix will become the exclusive new home of “Raw,” the WWE’s flagship programme that has been broadcasting on television since 1993.

The agreement will also see WWE shows and live events streamed across the globe as their rights become available.

With an initial 10-year term for $5 billion, the deal has an option for Netflix to extend for an additional 10 years or opt out after the initial five years.

ALSO READ | What happened to WWE ‘superhero’ The Hurricane?

“This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, president of TKO, the parent company of the WWE.

“It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years,” he added.

The three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena, among other stars.

It is currently the most watched show on the NBCUniversal-owned USA network in the United States.

ALSO SEE | ‘The greatest day of my life’ – WWE legend Hulk Hogan baptised [photos]

The WWE is a ratings blockbuster that owes much of its success to entrepreneur and promoter Vince McMahon.

After buying what was then the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from his father in 1982, he turned the second-rate league into an entertainment giant.

Transformed into World Wrestling Entertainment in 2002, the league passed the billion-dollar mark in annual sales last year.

The deal marks another move by streaming giants to build their portfolio of live sporting events.

MUST SEE | CM Punk makes shocking return to WWE

Netflix won the rights last month to a tennis duel between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz and previously streamed a golf tournament featuring Formula One drivers and pros.

Amazon announced last week that it would invest $115 million in Diamond Sports Group, the leading network of local sports channels in the United States, gaining regional rights for sports ranging from hockey to basketball.

ALSO SEE | Which WWE superstar is the king of social media?

It had previously acquired certain rights to the English Premier League, the French Ligue 1, the French Open tennis tournament and the NFL American football league.

Apple TV, for its part, owns global rights for US Major League Soccer.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Horror: The BEST local movies for SA Halloween 2023 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/horror-the-best-local-movies-for-sa-halloween-2023-23-october-2023/ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/horror-the-best-local-movies-for-sa-halloween-2023-23-october-2023/#respond Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:53:12 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1844873 October means that it’s time for Halloween, a festival of nighttime celebration that’s gaining more popularity in South Africa. If you’re into the holiday spirit for this month, horror is the traditional type of movie you should gather friends and family around the living room (or smartphone) for.

Ready for some fiction and fear done the South African way?

Here are some of the best horror flicks to see for this years’ scarefest.

Parable

Watch the Trailer

Parable is a uniquely South African horror tale.

ALSO READ: Killers: The most notorious South African criminals

It tells the story of Esther, a young girl forced into gay-conversion therapy. Unfortunately, her “therapy sessions” soon lead the Reverend to discover a case of demonic possession.

The movie might be farfetched, but it’s everything you’d want from The Exorcist if it happened on local soil.

Pinky Pinky

Watch the Trailer

If you’re South African of a certain age, you might have grown up with the story of Pinky Pinky. Better known as the ghost that hides in toilets, it is said to steal naughty children in the dark.

ALSO READ: Comedy: Laugh with these LOCAL comedies!

If that sounds like something you don’t want to think about at night, you’d be right. That’s why it’s made one of the most interesting horror movies you’ll ever see.

You might want to leave lights on for this one.

Mamtsotsi Bird

Watch the Trailer

The Mamtsotsi bird is based on the legend of a bird that can be summoned by witchcraft. In return, you will get one wish for your troubles – but be very careful what you wish for.

This excellent short horror movie is directed by Jo Horn.

What happens if you wish someone to death, but with serious consequences?

ALSO READ: Haunted or NOT? Go here to see SA’s ghosts!

It’s more than enough to make sure this October sticks in your mind for a while.

Die Ontwaking (The Awakening)

Watch the Trailer

Die Ontwaking (The Awakening) is a 2016 horror movie.

ALSO READ: Witchcraft in SA: Is gogo bewitched…or ill?

This great film tells the story of Abel Lotz, a serial killer obsessed with collecting skin. Morbid and fantastic, this flick stars actor Gys de Villiers in one of his most unsettling roles.

Do they ever catch old Abel?

You’ll have to watch the film on Showmax to know for sure.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALEX COYNE

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Comedy: Laugh with these LOCAL comedies! https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/comedy-laugh-with-these-local-comedies-16-october-2023/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:42:37 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1833334 Comedy is just a click away.

South Africa has no lack of great comedy movies if you’re looking for something to watch with the friends or family. Don’t choose just anything to fill up your playlist – that might be close to two hours you’re never going to get back!

Instead of playing the guessing game, here are some great local comedies that are worth more than just a few laughs.

Local is lekker!

Here’s what to watch, and why it’s great.

Taktiek (2023)

Taktiek (Tactic) is a new South African series from kykNET promising to have you in stitches.

Starring some of South Africa’s most familiar faces like Deon Lotz and Marion Holm, the comedy is set in a small town – and most of the situations revolve around the local security company.

ALSO READ: Watch trailer: SA’s first contemporary Western series ‘Outlaws’

Most South Africans will find something to giggle at in this new great sitcom, which kicked off on 2 October this year.

Nothing for Mahala (2013)

Nothing for Mahala is a South African comedy movie starring Thapelo Mokoena and Marius Weyers.

The story follows Ace, a businessman who can only be descibed as down on his luck. When he runs into the older Hendrik, he tries to change his luck… Or tries to try his luck, more like it!

ALSO READ: Haunted or NOT? Go here to see SA’s ghosts!

Unique and proudly local!

The movie was made in cooperation with Heartlines, who also created the successful movie Hopeville.

Spud (2010)

Spud is a heartwarming coming-of-age story, starring Troye Sivan and John Cleese.

If you’ve ever been to a boarding school and have memories left over from your time, some of the crazy antics in the movie should appeal to you!

ALSO READ: ‘African talent’: National Film & TV Awards unveils nominees

It’s more than just slapstick giggles, but humour with a heart!

If you’ve read the book or seen the film, you might still remember how he got his haunting nickname of Spud.

Keeping Up with the Kandasamys (2017)

Keeping Up with the Kandasamys is a South African film that was the highest-earning local film for 2017.

The comedy stars Jailoshini Naidoo, Maeshni Naicker, Madhushan Singh, and Mishqah Parthiephal.

South African families can be a lot of things at once, from neurotic to overbearing – and sometimes caring turns into chaos!

ALSO READ: South African HORROR movies to see this October

Filmed in Kwazulu-Natal and delivered with a local spice, Keeping up with the Kandasamys is absolutely unforgettable local comedy!

READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALEX J COYNE

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South African HORROR movies to see this October https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/south-african-horror-movies-to-see-this-october-10-october-2023/ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/south-african-horror-movies-to-see-this-october-10-october-2023/#respond Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:50:52 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1824758 If you’re into local flavours, South African horror movies might be exactly what you’re looking for this October. Dim the lights and get together wirh your family and friends for a movie night – and choose from these great local horror movies to watch!

ALSO READ: Umkhokha: The Curse Teasers – October 2023

Here are four great South African horror movies to see this October month, and what makes them worth the thrills.

The Soul Collector/8 (2019)

The Soul Collector is a supernatural horror movie, which explores William Ziel and his wife Mary moving to an inherited farm. When the groundskeeper starts acting suspiciously and Mary swears she begins seeing a girl climb out of his bag, the story takes you on a journey of terror – and yes, a few ghosts, too.

Also known as 8, the movie stars Inge Beckmann, Garth Breytenbach, and Tshamano Sebe.

ALSO READ: Local is lekker! Celebrate Heritage Day with these six movies

Rest assured, The Soul Collector could well give you sleepless nights even after October has ended.

Watch the trailer for 8 on YouTube.

Pinky Pinky (2020)

Pinky Pinky takes an old South African urban legend, and dresses it up in new clothes for modern horror fans. Based on the story of a ghost that steals naughty children, this movie isn’t something that you should watch on your own – unsettling, and the film takes full advantage of horror techniques like the jump scare!

ALSO READ: Moon phases: where is the moon tonight?

Available on Showmax, the 2020 film has stood the test of time. Even three years after its release, and it’s still creepy. For English-speaking viewers, the film has the option for subtitles.

Watch the trailer for Pinky Pinky on YouTube.

Good Madam (2021)

Good Madam (Mlungu Wam) is a South African horror story released in 2021, set against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa. The story follows mother and daughter, Tsidi and Winnie, as they make their way to an old mansion – offered up for them to stay in, as long as they don’t bother the mysterious madam in the house.

“Madam” is in a coma, and restricted to one room in the house… Or is she really? Supernatural elements help to take this film to new heights for horror fans.

The sentence “don’t ever go in madam’s room” could even become a horror movie classic.

Watch the trailer for Mlungu Wam on YouTube.

Gaia (2021)

Gaia (2021) stars Monique Rockman and Carel Nel in the lead roles.

This story takes viewers to the Tsitsikamma forest, where two workers get lost in the forest and get more than they bargained for. If you’re a fan of movies like The Blair Witch Project, this one will be worth seeing too.

ALSO READ: Full Moon: HUNTER’S moon this October

What happens if you go too deep into the forest you thought you knew?

The movie will have you at the edge of your seat, but might also cause a few sleepless nights this month!

Also available on Showmax, you can watch the trailer for Gaia on YouTube.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALEX J COYNE

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Netflix series Top Boy will go down as one of the greatest ever https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/netflix-top-boy-greatest-series-ever-debate-5-october-2023/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:03:36 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1818532 Netflix users have been raving about the much-acclaimed Top Boy, and it’s easy to see why. If you haven’t seen it yet, what’s wrong with you, bruv?


What is Top Boy?

Set in the hostile housing estates of East London, Top Boy follows the lives of all those trying to survive in a community ruled by drug gangs and violent crime. Dushane Hill, the story’s suave and clinical main protagonist, is hell-bent on becoming the Top Boy of Summerhouse and staying there.


Netflix hit the jackpot with Dushane, Sully and co

Dushane and Sully, long-time friends and apparently the two men at the top of the tree, alternate between brotherly bonding moments and utter distrust. There’s no surprise there, with money and power at the top of both their agendas. The series is at once brutal, touching, tender, gritty and heartbreaking. What really sets Top Boy apart from a series of its kind, both past and present, is that many prominent characters got handed their first acting roles in it. As if the show needed any more authenticity.

Top Boy Dushane Hill
Long-time friends Dushane and Sully run Summerhouse in brutal fashion. Image: Digital Spy

Top Boy has it all

Violence, romance, drama and all of the usual things you expect from a critically acclaimed series are all there. The music, the cinematography, the realness and relatable human emotion, as well as the poignant and sometimes starkly depressing societal commentary, make it a unique package. Top Boy’s writing is sensationally good to the point that it makes you see the honour, humanity and integrity possessed by cold-blooded killers and apex predators of the drug scene.


Jamie fights for family

Young Jamie, played by Michael Ward, must look after his two younger brothers after both their parents died. He must be their protector and breadwinner in his early 20s while still juggling his own life and ambitions. Jamie emerges early in the third season as a precocious pretender to Dushane’s throne in Summerhouse, where you quickly discover the charming lad will do anything for his blood. Family is everything, even for the most hardened characters in Top Boy.

Netflix
Jamie with his brothers Aaron and Stef. Image: NME

It’s been quite a journey

Top Boy: Summerhouse, the first two seasons of the show comprising eight episodes, debuted in October 2011. The fifth and final series of this gripping show had its emotional finale play out just last month, in September 2023. Why the huge gap in their CV?


That’s a rap

The initial plan was for the show not to return after its first two seasons, but Canadian rapper Drake got involved. He took to his Instagram to punt the show, helping to revive interest in it, and Netflix picked it up. Drake would serve as an executive producer. Dushane, played by Ashley Walters, is a member of So Solid Crew, a UK garage and hip-hop collective originating in the late 90s. Sully is played by Kane Brett Robinson, aka Kano, and he’s also a prominent rapper. A few other characters on the show also have burgeoning careers in the music business.

Netflix
Jax. Image: Mashable

I’m not crying, you’re crying

A poignant line from Sully in the season 5 finale goes like this: “To be honest, Stefan, feeling left me a long time ago.”

Go and find your ex’s Netflix logins and watch Top Boy, because it will be spoken about for years and decades to come.

Netflix Top Boy
The ever-unpredictable Sully. Image: Decider

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more stuff on sports and popular culture.

Also, follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.

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All the content you need to Netflix and chill this July https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/netflix-july-stranger-things-coach-carter-virgin-river-most-hated-man-internet-fil-documentary-series-hansie-cronje/ Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:53:00 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1220989 July promises to pack a punch with Netflix launching its latest action-thriller original film – The Gray Man.

Created by the iconic Russo Brothers, the story follows the life of the CIA’s most skilled operative, Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling) whose true identity is known to none. In a thrilling twist, a psychopathic former colleague, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) puts a bounty on his head setting off a global manhunt by international assassins. Packed with action and an all-star cast, this film will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. 

For local content fanatics, Netflix takes a closer look into the life of the famous South African Cricket Captain, Hansie Cronje, in Journey to Grace: The Hansie Cronje Story.

An unprecedented rise to glory, followed by the most horrific fall. “How do you start over once you have betrayed a nation’s trust?”. 

Other titles to look out for include a new three-part limited series, The Most Hated Man on the Internet, sharing one woman’s crusade to take down a revenge-porn empire, Virgin River: Season 4 and, Manifest: Season 3.

LOCAL NETFLIX CONTENT

Jewel – Netflix Film – 8 July

While visiting a massacre memorial, a photographer finds herself drawn to a local woman. But their romance stirs up painful memories of a shared past.

Jewel. Image via Netflix

INTERNATIONAL CONTENT

Persuasion – Netflix Film – 15 July

Eight years after Anne Elliot was persuaded not to marry a dashing man of humble origins, they meet again. Will she seize her second chance at true love?

Virgin River: Season 4 – Netflix Series – 20 July

Mel navigates her new reality, Jack’s past threatens his future and new faces arrive to stir things up in Virgin River.

Virgin River. (L to R) Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins, Annette O’Toole as Hope in episode 408. Image via Netflix

Blown Away: Season 3 – Netflix Series – 22 July

The hot shop welcomes 10 talented new glassblowers for captivating challenges inspired by outer space, the circus, the Seven Deadly Sins and more.

The Gray Man – Netflix Film – 22 July

When a shadowy CIA agent uncovers damning agency secrets, he’s hunted across the globe by a sociopathic rogue operative who’s put a bounty on his head.

The Most Hated Man on the Internet – Netflix Documentary – 27 July

This new documentary series chronicles a mother’s crusade against the ruthless owner of a porn site.

ALSO READ: ‘So flexible’: Netizens inspired by lady driving perfectly with her feet [watch]

LICENSED TITLES

Manifest: Season 3 (1 July), Coach Carter (1 July) and Journey to Grace: The Hansie Cronje Story (27 July).

Coach Carter. Image Supplied
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Netflix adds warning on ‘Stranger Things’ S4 following Texas shooting https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/breaking-netflix-warning-stranger-things-season-4-texas-school-shooting-children/ Fri, 27 May 2022 12:27:34 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1185312 Netflix has added a last-minute content warning to the opening episode of the latest season of Stranger Things, in wake of the school shooting in Texas that left 19 children and 2 teachers dead.

The new season, which premiered on Friday 27 May, has “graphic violence involving children”.

ALSO READ: ‘Stranger Things’ season four: Netflix releases official trailer [watch]

‘STRANGER THINGS’ GETS LAST-MINUTE WARNING

Stranger Things is back and is showing in several countries including South Africa, but viewers in the United States will now see a warning before they dive back into the world of Hawkins, the Upside Down, California and Russia.

The warning before the previous season recap reads: “We filmed this season of Stranger Things a year ago. But given the recent tragic shooting at a school in Texas, viewers may find the opening scene of episode 1 distressing. We are deeply saddened by this unspeakable violence, and our hearts go out to every family mourning a loved one.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix also edited the description for the premiere to include: “Warning: Contains graphic violence involving children.”

This desicion comes after a tragic mass shooting that took place on Tuesday 24 May at a primary school in Texas where an 18-year-old gunman shot and killed 21 people.

“We decided to add the card given the proximity of the premiere to this tragedy — and because the opening scene is very graphic,” a Netflix spokesperson explained.

ABOUT THE FOURTH SEASON

The fourth season of Stranger Things will expand the on-screen action to California and Russia, in addition to Hawkins. The group deals with the aftermath of Hopper sacrificing his life to close the gate to the Upside Down and the show inches closer to its recently announced fifth and final season, Netflix explains.

Stranger Things is created by The Duffer Brothers and produced by Monkey Massacre Productions & 21 Laps Entertainment. The Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen of 21 Laps Entertainment, Iain Paterson, and Curtis Gwinn.

Speaking about what sets the new season apart from the previous ones, Matt Duffer compared it to Game of Thrones due to the many locations.

“We call this our Game of Thrones season because we have so many different locations. The fact that we’re as spread out as we are this year defines the season more than anything.

“I think that’s what makes it a very unique and special season of Stranger Things. We have Hawkins, of course, as always, but then on top of that we have California and Russia. We have storylines in those three major locations, and each has a very distinct feel and look. And all these storylines, disparate as they are, do end up, eventually and inevitably, coming together. It’s a very unique season.”

ALSO READ: ‘Stranger Things’: A new & horrifying supernatural threat resurfaces in S4

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‘Stranger Things’: A new & horrifying supernatural threat resurfaces in S4 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/stranger-things-supernatural-threat-season-4-netflix/ Thu, 26 May 2022 11:45:21 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1184126 Eleven, we’re not in Hawkins anymore. After three seasons spent solely in that small Indiana town, the Stranger Things gang is branching out.

The upcoming fourth season of the worldwide phenomenon will expand the on-screen action to California and Russia, in addition to Hawkins, as the group deals with the aftermath of Hopper sacrificing his life to close the gate to the Upside Down and the show inches closer to its recently announced fifth and final season.

Ahead of the series’ May 27 return, creators, executive producers, writers, and directors, the Duffer Brothers discuss making this the “scariest season yet,” uncovering more about the show’s mythology and getting closer to Stranger Things’ endgame. 

ALSO READ: ‘Stranger Things 4’: Inside Netflix’s anticipated world premiere [photos]

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES SEASON 4 FROM PAST SEASONS?

Matt Duffer: We call this our Game of Thrones season because we have so many different locations. The fact that we’re as spread out as we are this year defines the season more than anything. I think that’s what makes it a very unique and special season of Stranger Things. We have Hawkins, of course, as always, but then on top of that we have California and Russia. We have storylines in those three major locations, and each has a very distinct feel and look. And all these storylines, disparate as they are, do end up, eventually and inevitably, coming together. It’s a very unique season.

Ross Duffer:  We had a lot of fun with the fact that Season 3 was set in summer, and it was really technicolor and bright and very poppy. We saw it as our summer blockbuster, but it had one of the darker endings with Hopper being gone and our group splitting up. We continue with that darkness this season. It’s about dread, and it’s also about revelations. We have so many ideas that we accumulate over the years, and this season it feels like we’re finally bringing almost all of them to life. We learn more this season than we ever have about our mythology. We learn a lot about the Upside Down and what this evil force that’s been threatening Hawkins all these years really wants. It’s exciting for us, because a lot of the story is uncovered this season. Overall, I would say that the tone is certainly darker than it’s been. The goal was to make this the scariest season yet.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE TONAL SHIFT IN ‘STRANGER THINGS’ SEASON?

Matt Duffer: We’re always trying something different each season to make sure the show is evolving. And that comes naturally in a lot of ways because our kids are growing up. It’s funny, I can’t even actually call them “kids,” they’re basically young adults now. We thought that this was a good year to put them in what is basically a horror film. Ross mentioned that dread is a big part of this season. What the teens are dealing with, especially in the Hawkins storyline, is a full-fledged Nightmare on Elm Street-esque horror film. A lot of that has to do with the new villain this year, a more humanoid-looking monster in the vein of classic supernatural serial killers. That’s another huge defining factor for this season.

WHAT LED TO THE CREATIVE DECISION TO SHOW MORE ABOUT THE UPSIDE DOWN?

Matt Duffer: We spend more time in the Upside Down this year than we ever have before. We love shooting scenes in the Upside Down. We always love how they turn out. And we didn’t get to go to the Upside Down at all in Season 3. When Will was gone all of Season 1, we didn’t really get to see what he was experiencing, or how he was communicating with Joyce. This year, we really wanted to explore a little bit of how that worked, and we wanted to see it from the side of the Upside Down. That was a lot of fun to write.

Ross Duffer: It’s also fun just hopping back and forth between these dimensions. When we were looking back at our original Stranger Things pitch, we had the kids going through multiple portals or gates, going back and forth from this dimension. We never had the time to do that in Season 1, but we’re still really excited about that idea.

WHAT CAN VIEWERS EXPECT FROM ‘STRANGER THINGS’ GOING FORWARD?

Ross Duffer: You can feel the story barreling towards some sort of endgame or conclusion. That’s what is really exciting to us about this season. We had a lot of fun in Season Three, but now it’s really serious in terms of actually starting to peel back the layers of this mythology. And as you get these answers, you really see that we’re headed towards a very clear destination, and toward the end of Stranger Things. Which is a little sad, but also exciting for us, and I think for everyone involved.

Stranger Things 4, Vol. 1 premieres 27 May on Netflix.

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Netflix axes shows, fires staff amid huge subscribers and shares loss https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/netflix-axes-shows-fires-staff-executive-animation-movies-subscribers-shares-loss-will-smith-bright-2-kids-family/ Mon, 25 Apr 2022 07:51:43 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1151950 Netflix is already doing some damage control following its first drop in global subscribers in a decade, which caused it to lose 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period.

The Wrap has revealed that multiple new shows have been cancelled by the US streaming platform and an executive was also fired along with his staff.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk blames ‘woke mind virus’ for Netflix’s sudden viewership loss

NETFLIX CANCELS SHOWS

In a bid to combat more financial loss, the giant streaming platform has reportedly cancelled a number of new in-development shows. Netflix estimates that it’ll lose another two million paying customers before June 2022 – news which led to the company’s market value plummeting by $50 billion (R784 billion).

The streaming service has axed the highly-anticipated animated series based on Jeff Smith’s comic book series Bone. In addition, Lauren Faust’s Toil and Trouble, as well as an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits have also been cancelled.

In the Netflix Movies category, Will Smith has also been cancelled. Bright 2, a sequel to the actor’s fantasy flick, was removed allegedly due to the infamous Oscar’s slap.

Last month it was reported that Netflix and Apple+ pulled out of bidding to work with the King Richard star on his upcoming biopic. The movie is said to be based on his best-selling memoir, titled Will.

STAFF MEMBERS FIRED

Major changes made by the popular streaming giant also affected staff members. Netflix’s Director of Creative Leadership and Development for Original Animation, Phil Rynda, was shown the door. Reports also suggest that many of his staff also got fired earlier last week.

In the same week, Netflix announced that it is open to introducing ads for lower prices.

“Those who have followed Netflix know that I have been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription. But as much as I am a fan of that, I am a bigger fan of consumer choice, and allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant to get what they want makes a lot of sense,” Hastings said.

ALSO READ: Netflix is exploring ad-supported packages as subscribers plummet

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Netflix is exploring ad-supported packages as subscribers plummet https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/netflix-ads-advertisements-lower-price-packages-subscribers-shares-passwords-price-hikes-reed-hastings/ Sat, 23 Apr 2022 13:39:21 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1150855 During its quarterly earnings report on Tuesday 19 April, Netflix said it is exploring plans that include ads for a lower price.

The report revealed its first drop in global subscribers in a decade, causing the giant streaming platform to lose 200,000 subscribers during the January-March period.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk blames ‘woke mind virus’ for Netflix’s sudden viewership loss

NETFLIX ADS?

After years of resisting advertisements on its streaming service, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings said it was time to revisit the idea because it “makes a lot of sense” to offer customers a cheaper option, CNBC reported.

“Those who have followed Netflix know that I have been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription. But as much as I am a fan of that, I am a bigger fan of consumer choice, and allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant to get what they want makes a lot of sense,” Hastings said.

“It’s pretty clear that it’s working for Hulu. Disney is doing it. HBO did it. I don’t think we have a lot of doubt that it works,” Hastings added.

WHAT HAS CAUSED THE NOSEDIVE?

According to USA Today, Netflix is likely to lose 2 million more subscribers and this could be due to its price hike a few months ago.

In addition, Hastings shared that COVID-19 lockdowns played a major role in boosting numbers.

“The big COVID boost to streaming obscured the picture until recently,” he said. Also adding that another reason for the drop in subscribers is the widespread password sharing.

Hastings estimated that Netflix is being shared with over 100 million households worldwide.

In a bid to crackdown on password sharing, the US platform announced in March that it is testing a new feature that will require its subscribers to pay an extra fee for sharing their accounts with people who are not living in the same home.

ALSO READ: Extra fees? Netflix testing add-on payment for password-sharing

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Despite Squid Game’s record-breaking success, its creator is ‘far from rich’ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/despite-squid-games-record-breaking-success-its-creator-is-far-from-rich/ Thu, 28 Oct 2021 02:35:30 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=1007504 Given the overwhelming success of Squid Game on Netflix, one would think that the man behind the hit show is laughing all the way to the bank. Well, think again. While Hwang Dong-hyuk was paid for the show, it seems the streaming platform has the better end of the deal here.

Squid Game recently eclipsed Bridgerton and became Netflix’s most watched show in history. Despite this, the 50-year-old South Korean national is only being paid the amount stipulated in his contract.

Squid Game’s creator not even paid a bonus for hit show

In an interview with The Guardian, Hwang Dong-hyuk says if anything, Netflix paid him enough money to put food on his table. This is a stunning revelation as Squid Games is set to generate nearly $900 million for the streaming platform, prompting curiosity over the terms of the deal between the two parties.

Hwang joked he will likely never be as rich as Squid Game’s gambling-addicted protagonist Seong Gi-Hun who ends up winning the $38 million cash prize on the show.

In addition, he says filming the show took a huge toll on him mentally, physically and emotionally.

“When I was working on the project, the goal was to rank No 1 on the Netflix US chart for at least a day. But it ended up being much more successful, the most watched show on Netflix ever. It’s very surprising. It shows that the global audience is resonating with the message I wanted to reflect.”

Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game creator

Squid Game is a series which revolves around 456 cash-strapped players who compete in deadly playground contests for prizes. It is reportedly based on the series on Hwang’s struggles following the economic crisis that hit South Korea in 2009.

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Netflix SA prices increase from TODAY: Here’s what you now have to pay https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/new-netflix-price-increase-south-africa-comparison-dstv-costs/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:03:11 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=999598 Fuel’s through the roof, water and electricity bills have been creeping up, and of course, even our Netflix subscriptions are getting costlier. The streaming giant has confirmed that the price for two of their four main packages on offer in South Africa will be subject to a 14% increase – and for some, it kicks in straight away.

More price hikes – and this time, it’s for our streaming services

From Tuesday 19 October, people with both Standard and Premium accounts will be asked to pay more on a monthly basis. Those with Mobile and Basic packages will continue to pay the same fees, however.

The Standard Netflix bundle will be rising by an additional R20, meaning that users will be paying R240 more each year if they want to watch their favourite shows online. Those with a Premium subscription will have to find another R30 a month to pay the bills, which amounts to an extra R360 annually.

Netflix price increase: What South Africans have to pay now

Here are the new payment schedules for Netflix SA:

  • Mobile: R49 per month – COSTS STAY THE SAME.
  • Basic: R99 per month – COSTS STAY THE SAME.
  • Standard: R159 per month – UP FROM R139.
  • Premium: R199 per month – UP FROM R169.


In defence of Netflix SA, this is the first price hike they’ve introduced in five years that is not related to the ZAR/USD exchange rate. During their five years of operation on our shores, they have resisted the temptation to increase costs.

The payment changes will be immediate for any new customers signing up to the streaming services, whereas existing clients will be notified ‘one month ahead of their next bill’, before any alterations are made.

DStv vs Netflix: Price comparison for October 2021

Four of DStv’s five main services are more expensive than Netflix’s highest-priced package. However, DStv Access is a cheaper option than the Premium or Standard bouquets provided by the online titan:

ServicePrice per month
DStv PremiumR829
DStv Compact PlusR539
DStv CompactR409
DStv FamilyR295
Netflix PremiumR199
Netflix StandardR169
DStv AccessR115
Netflix BasicR99
Netflix MobileR49
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Here’s why the genius behind ‘Squid Game’ lost six teeth during production https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/squid-game-creator-hwang-dong-hyuk-lost-teeth-interview-production-netflix/ Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:08:01 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=994317 In case you missed it, Squid Game is a gory horror series that has in a flash become streaming giant Netfllix’s most-watched series. The South Korean series features impoverished people competing in deadly children’s games for the chance to win a large sum of money.

The creator of the series, Hwang Dong-hyuk, shared the trials and tribulations of making the series in an interview with CNN.

‘Squid Game’ creator speaks about how stressful creating the Netflix series was

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Squid Game recently shared a few interesting details about the process he went through while creating the hit series. According to him, the show focuses on “losers” and how “competitive” society has become.

Speaking to CNN, he revealed that he had played all the games seen in the series as a child and decided that Squid Game would be last because of how difficult it is. In fact, many of the characters in the series are named after friends and family members who he used to play with.

ALSO READ: Real-life ‘Squid Game’ to be hosted in Abu Dhabi, without the violence obvs [watch]

He also said that he started working on the series 10 years ago, but was told by many that it was “too strange” and “far from reality”. His determination to “create the next Star Wars” saw many actors getting hurt on set.

All the stress from writing, producing, and directing the show saw him lose six teeth which he explains he hasn’t had time to replace since he has become a very busy man following the show’s massive success.

What about season two?

Also speaking to the publication, he revealed that the thought of writing another season is very daunting for him. He does however add that everyone’s enthusiasm for the first series has made him very confident about producing a new season.

Meanwhile, TODAY reported that local production Siren Pictures agreed to remove the number that appears on the original Squid Game card after it was discovered that the number actually belonged to someone who was being bombarded with calls by Squid Game fans.

ALSO READ: Squid Game: Creator shares a juicy snippet of season 2’s storyline

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Spoiler Alert: Five reasons why we need ‘Blood & Water’ season three https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/spoiler-alert-five-reasons-why-we-need-blood-water-season-three/ Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:09:38 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=990558 Additional reporting by Alicia Naidoo

Season two of the Netflix African original series Blood & Water premiered on 24 September and it certainly packed a punch. 

Although season two answered the dying question – Is Fikile Bhele (Khosi Ngema) Puleng Khumalo’s (Ama Qamata) sister? There are still so many questions left unanswered. We’ve narrowed it down to five cliffhangers that we NEED explained in season three.

FIVE CLIFFHANGERS FROM ‘BLOOD & WATER’ SEASON TWO

1. DID PULENG’S DAD TRAFFIC PHUME?

In season one of Blood & Water, Puleng finds out that her father Julius Khumalo (Getmore Sithole) has been named a prime suspect in the disappearance of her sister Phume. This is shortly after she suspects that Fikile might be her sister.  

In season two, a DNA test is done to confirm whether Fikile is actually Puleng’s sister or not. However, the question of whether Puleng’s dad sold Phume or not is still left lingering.

Ama Qamata and Khosi Ngema
Ama Qamata (left) and Khosi Ngema (right) as Puleng Khumalo and Fikile Bhele in season two of Netflix’s ‘Blood & Water’ Image: Supplied/Netflix

ALSO READ: YoungstaCPT, Tyla and the hip and happening sounds of ‘Blood & Water’

2. WHO IS KB’S MOTHER?

During her investigation, Puleng learns that KB’s mom may be linked to Phume’s case. However, we do not know how she’s linked or where she disappeared to when she left KB and his dad. This needs to be unpacked in season three!

3. PULENG’S LOVE TRIANGLE

Puleng and KB ended season one on a high note but things got rocky in season two when KB thought she was being unfaithful to him. While Wade also experienced relationship struggles as his girlfriend also speculated that he was being unfaithful. This was because he and Puleng often disappeared together, for hours at a time. It seems Puleng has a little love triangle going on with KB and Wade. This leaves us wondering, who will Puleng choose and which man has her heart? 

Blood & Water season three
Ama Qamata (left) as Puleng Khumalo and Dillon Windvogel (right) as Wade Danniels in season two of ‘Blood & Water’. Image: Supplied/Netflix

4. THE NKOSANA FAMILY

Sam Nkosana (Leroy Siyafa) and his mother Janet (Zikhona Sodlaka) were new to Parkhurst High. Janet, who was Fikile’s psychologist, had some secrets of her own. However, she and her son, who had a fond interest in Fikile, had to be sent away to safety. 

This poses the question, what happened to them? Did they make it to safety?

ALSO READ: Exclusive: In conversation with ‘Blood & Water’ director Nosipho Dumisa

5. WHAT HAPPENED TO MR FERREIRA?

Another cliffhanger of the season is what happened to the beloved teacher Mr Ferreira (Ivan Botha)? He up and left without any update on where he was headed after doing some dodgy business!

Netflix was right when they said Blood & Water season three requests would storm in because we need answers!

WATCH THE FIRST THREE MINUTES OF ‘BLOOD & WATER’ SEASON TWO HERE

Since we are diving into the spoilers, here are the first three minutes of season two of the drama series.

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Squid Game: Creator shares a juicy snippet of season 2’s storyline https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/squid-game-creator-shares-a-juicy-snippet-of-season-2s-storyline/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:41:01 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=990276 Squid Game has taken the world by storm and is quickly going on to become one of Netflix’s most-watched series taking it right to the top beside the current record holder, Bridgerton. Season 1 follows the life of one financially struggling man who meets a number of people in a similar position as he is while they battle to the death in a series of child games.

And now the creator of the hit series has revealed what the second season may have in store

Squid Game season 2? The fans are thinking YES PLEASE!

Netflix horror Squid Game is a worldwide hit and it hasn’t even been on our screens for very long. With only nine action-packed episodes of season one, it’s no wonder fans are so impatient whether or not they’ll soon get to watch a second season.

Well, there is some good news for those who’ve already watched every single episode – there may just be another season on the way soon.

Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has spoken out about what he would do if he was given the opportunity for another season.

ALSO READ: ‘Cruel masterpiece’: Here’s why Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ is a must-watch!

Here’s what he has to say:

According to Hwang in a The Times article, if he gets the go-ahead for season two, it will be focused on The Front Man. The Front Man is the guy from the first season in the black mask who organises the games while monitoring players and his red jumpsuit wearing guards.

“If I do get to do [another season], one [idea] would be the story of the Front Man.”

He also says that he would put a lot of focus on police officers and the way they do their jobs highlighting the issues that not only Korea but the rest of the world is facing when it comes to law enforcement officials.

“I think the issue with police officers is not just an issue in Korea. I see it on the global news that the police force can be very late on acting on things – there are more victims or a situation gets worse because of them not acting fast enough.

“This was an issue that I wanted to raise. Maybe in season two, I can talk about this more,” he said.

ALSO READ: Man gets thousands of calls after number mistakenly used in ‘Squid Game’

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YoungstaCPT, Tyla and the hip and happening sounds of ‘Blood & Water’ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/blood-water/breaking-blood-and-water-netflix-playlist-soundtrack-youngstacpt-tyla-overdue-costa-titch-ipeleng-aka-listen-watch/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:07:17 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=978164 Season two of the Netflix African Original series Blood & Water premiered on Friday 24 September and one of its prominent features is its soundtrack to which Cape Town rapper and hip-hop muso YoungstaCPT has added his award-winning touch, among other artists, such as pop star sensation Tyla, Costa Titch, Kabza De Small and AKA.

ALSO READ: Season 2 loading: Let’s recap the mystery and drama of ‘Blood & Water’

YOUNGSTACPT’S IMPACT ON SA HIP-HOP

Riyadh Roberts, popularly known as YoungstaCPT, is a brilliant hip-hop lyricist who has taken South Africa by storm with his lyrical illustrations of Cape Town in his music.

YoungstaCPT began rapping professionally in 2012 after completing high school, and over time he has grown to become part of South Africa’s small pool of impactful lyricists who deliver quality lines in their music. 

The 29-year-old rapper’s 2019 album, 3T, earned him the Album of the Year award at the 2019 South African Hip-Hop Awards. The 22-track album focuses on themes of gangsterism, poverty and drug use. 

YoungstaCPT
Rapper YoungstaCPT. Image via Instagram @youngstacpt

YOUNGSTACPT’S SHAKES UP ‘BLOOD & WATER’

The heavyweight rapper will also be making his appearance in the second season of Blood & Water as a friend of Zero (played by Nasty C in season one). 

YoungstaCPT swoops in to save the day by helping KB (Thabang Molaba) produce and perform a song at a fundraising event put together by Wendy (Natasha Thahane) and Chris (Arno Greeff). 

In the song, titled Gaslight, KB shows his jealousy of Puleng (Ama Qamata) and Wade’s (Dillon Windvogel) relationship and he also reveals that he and Fikile (Khosi Ngema) shared an intimate kiss in season one after a party at KB’s house. 

ALSO READ: Exclusive: In conversation with ‘Blood & Water’ director Nosipho Dumisa

TYLA ADDS SOME SPICE TO THE SOUNDTRACK

Tyla Seethal, popularly known as Tyla, first appeared on the South African music industry’s radar in 2019 when she released her hit debut single featuring Kooldrink, Getting Late. After breaking boundaries as an independent artist, she then signed a global deal with Epic Records.

Although the 19-year-old pop star will not be making an appearance in the second season of Blood & Water, she has made a stellar contribution to the soundtrack.

Pop star Tyla Seethal. Image via Twitter @Tylathecurator

Tyla teamed up with DJ Lag (who is regarded as the pioneer of gqom) and Kooldrink for a new single, titled Overdue. The feelgood music video sees Tyla wearing a school uniform in tune with the Netflix African Original series.

The music video — shot by Warren Soqinase — explores Fikile and Sam Nkosana’s (Leroy Siyafa) relationship in Blood & Water and also features a few shots of Puleng and Wade.

Watch Tyla’s ‘Overdue’ music video for ‘Blood & Water’ season two

‘BLOOD & WATER’ SEASON TWO ARTIST LINE-UP

The Blood & Water season two playlist features a sensational line-up of a host of other artists.

From songbird Ipeleng to energic rapper Costa Titch, the soundtrack shows off all the hot talent South Africa has to offer. The exciting part about the season two playlist is that it features rising local artists who are sure to make their mark in the music industry.

‘Blood & Water’ season two playlist:

  1. Tyla featuring DJ Lag & Kooldrink – Overdue
  2. YoungstaCPT & KB Dinero – Gaslight
  3. Mr Kamera & Frya – Blood & Water (Theme Song)
  4. Nasty C & Rowlene – I Need You
  5. Mr Kamera & Frya – Calculate
  6. Phantom Steeze – Steezy
  7. Lolo Zozi featuring Tony Bhasoi – Ixhesha
  8. uFezekile, Enigmatic Kurse, SmashTheVillager – Talk Talk
  9. Silvastone – Falling For You
  10. Sun-El Musician, Claudio x Kenza & Msaki – Chasing Summer
  11. Raydizz, Poptain, Midori – In2You
  12. Yallunder – Ndinovalo
  13. Craig Lucas – Smother
  14. Focalistic & Vigro Deep – Ke Star
  15. Costa Titch, Frank Casino& 25K – Great
  16. Benzo & LOOKATUPS – Kwedini
  17. Indigo Stella – No Smoke
  18. Mr Kamera & Frya – Back It Up
  19. The Big Hash, 808x & Kwesta – High School
  20. Costa Titch – Mpulele
  21. Benny Afroe & Ami Faku – This Feeling
  22. Tyla & Kooldrink – Getting Late
  23. Jacky – Don’t let go
  24. Gemini Major & K.O – Slum Kid
  25. Touchline & K.O – Abafana Aba Hot
  26. Lastee, Nasty C & Tellaman – Take My Time
  27. The Big Hash & 808x – I’m Sorry
  28. Yashna – I Got Me
  29. Dee Koala – Sel’iwash Yodwa
  30. Espacio Dios & ANATII – Mangwane
  31. Frya – Changes
  32. PatrickKxxLee – Lost Boy Anthem
  33. Skulla & BEX – Ego
  34. AKA & YoungstaCPT – Main Ou’s
  35. Tellaman, Shekhinah & Nasty C – Whipped
  36. Yashna – I Got Me
  37. Rough featuring Moozlie – Mbongo-Zaka
  38. Saucy, Money Badoo – LIL BIH
  39. Mpho Sebina – Dumelang
  40. Benny Chilll – Yebo
  41. Sebo Kabstaad featuring Quelle Chris – Our People
  42. Jay Prayzah – Sadza Nemuriwo
  43. Dope Saint Jude – Go High Go Low
  44. Flvme & Die Mondez – F-Y-M
  45. Costa Titch – Durban Poison
  46. Costa Titch & YoungstaCPT – Wag ‘N Bietjie
  47. Haem-O – Mama Told Me
  48. Rowlene & Nasty C – Stop – Remix
  49. Costa Titch, Riky Rick & DJ Maphorisa – Areyeng
  50. Stilo Magolide – Stilo Nkinga
  51. YoungstaCPT – 1000 Mistakes
  52. Stxoner – Sleep
  53. 3face & Cee – Revive
  54. Ipeleng – Patience
  55. Youngloon Taliboom, YoungstaCPT, Maloon TheBoom – Kruger’s
  56. YoungstaCPT & Ganja Beatz – I’ve Seen It All
  57. Shekhinah featuring Bey T – Fixate
  58. Frya – Chandelier
  59. Tetu Shani – Watch Out
  60. Gemma Griffiths – Iwe
  61. Blxckie & LucasRaps – Big Time Sh’lappa
  62. Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa & Semi Tee – Lorch
  63. DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Nokwazi & Vigro Deep – Vula Vala
  64. Manana – Euphoria
  65. PsychoYP & Azanti – Caro
  66. Iv4 – Under
  67. Iv4 – When Stars Collide
  68. Kaz – Legend
  69. Iv4 – Call me up
  70. Atlay – Looking for Tears (Intro)
  71. Atlay & SnakeBeats – Falling
  72. Atlay – Show Me How It Feels Like
  73. Atlay – Something’s Changing
  74. Atlay – Unless You Tell Me
  75. Igqhirha Lomculo – Vuka Ndoda
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Exclusive: In conversation with ‘Blood & Water’ director Nosipho Dumisa https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/netflix/blood-water/blood-and-water-season-2-netflix-director-nosipho-dumisa-new-characters-exclusive-interview-music/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 12:04:49 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=979169 The second season of the Netflix African original series Blood & Water premiered today on the streaming platform and promises to be brimming with a second dose of mystery and drama.

The South African spoke to award-winning Blood & Water director and writer Nosipho Dumisa about what viewers can expect from the brand new season and the runaway success of the teen drama series.

ALSO READ: Season 2 loading: Let’s recap the mystery and drama of ‘Blood & Water’

NOSIPHO DUMISA ON MAKING THE FEMALE VOICE HEARD

33-year-old Dumisa has never shied away from tough topics as a director and made her debut in 2018 with the gritty Cape Flats crime-thriller Nommer 27.

Dumisa shared with us how working in a male-dominated industry has its challenges, especially when people make assumptions about the type of content female directors hope to create. 

“My voice is as valid and exciting as any other storyteller out there. It took me a long time to believe that so now I prefer to focus on the huge strides we’ve made as an industry, specifically as directors who happen to be female. It’s been my intention to take the conversation away from ‘female directors’ to ‘directors who happen to be female’.”

‘Blood & Water’: More female writers and Thati Peele’s touch

Season two of Blood & Water saw the writing team grow with the addition of talented black female writers.

“With season two of Blood & Water, our writing team not only expanded with awesome black writers of the female sex, but we were also blessed to add another director to the team, Thati Peele, who has done an incredible job with the second episode of this new exciting season.”

Peele has directed a South Koren horror film titled Thirst in 2009 and  Lerato in 2015, a short film that follows a local farmworker played by esteemed actress Connie Chiume. 

UNIVERSAL STORYLINE: ‘BLOOD & WATER’ SUCCESS

The South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) award-winning series trended at No 1 in 10 countries shortly after its release in 2020 — a first for a Netflix African original series.

Dumisa shared that a director always hopes their story will find its audience and admits the instant success of Blood & Water surprised the cast and crew.

“The global appeal comes in the universal storyline of Blood & Water. It’s a coming-of-age narrative, with bits of mystery and drama. Everyone can relate to having been a teenager with the angst of being misunderstood or falling in love for the first time etc.

“Everyone understands family drama and the dynamic of wanting to feel like you are good enough, which is what Puleng’s key arc was and continues to be.”

She highlights that the fear and trauma of losing someone is relatable to everyone, but the story is still specific to South Africa.

Ama Qamata and Khosi Ngema in ‘Blood and Water’ season two as Puleng Khumalo and Fikile Bhele. Image Supplied/Netflix

CHALLENGES OF FILMING ‘BLOOD & WATER’

Season two of Blood & Water was shot during the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 in South Africa earlier this year. Making sure everyone is safe, was a top priority for Dumisa as a director. 

“This was absolutely the biggest challenge. Of course, it was also a matter of wanting to balance adding a new creative edge to the show while being faithful to what our audience loved in the first place.” 

Dumisa also shared how she connects with every actor on the set. 

“I try to connect and speak with every actor, younger or older so that I can know them as people first before the real work begins. We all have fun but we’re also constantly aware of the job at hand and the pace at which we move leaves very little room for much else.”

KEY THEME AND REPRESENTATION

The key theme of Blood & Water is identity and through season two of the hit series, that theme has evolved to family. 

“The family we choose versus the family we’re born into, the way in which family and parents help form or break us,” says Dumisa. 

“The series deals with child trafficking and kidnapping but the new season will also deal with mental illness, children who are forced to raise themselves, drug abuse and fake news. In season two, the audience will learn more about Reece Van Rensburg (Greteli Fincham) and Chris Ackerman (Arno Greeff).”

Arno Greeff’s character, Chris, portrays a pansexual teenager in the series, and Dumisa says this representation is important, but the storyline is not about his sexuality.

“None of the other characters care that he’s pansexual, but his love interest, Zama (Cindy Mahlangu), does care that he is unfaithful and lying. In season two we’re definitely getting to understand him a bit better and see his character evolve in ways audiences may not be expecting.”

ALSO READ: ‘Blood and Water’ returns to Netflix, introduces new characters

NEW FACES AND NEW MUSIC IN ‘BLOOD & WATER’

In a previous interview, Nosipho said she would like to improve on what has been done in the first season and create space for new actors and musicians.

“There’s a number of new faces in this season, such as Leroy Siyafa, who makes his acting debut and has quite the storyline. Katishcka Kiara and Alzavia Abrahams will also be new faces to the audience, which was something that we were extremely intentional about.

“In terms of music, we were blessed with an abundance of new artists as well as up-and-coming music labels who were submitting their tracks.” 

Siyafa will play Khosi Ngema’s (Fikile “Fiks” Bhele) new love interest.

Khosi Ngema, Leroy Siyafa and Arno Greeff in season two of ‘Blood & Water’ as Fikile Bhele, Sam Nkosana and Chris Ackerman. Image Supplied/Netflix

Onto music genres, Dumisa says the audience can expect, are amapiano, house, hip-hop and even rock. 

“One of the artists we loved from season one, YoungstaCPT, Cape Town’s very own jewel, contributed greatly this season and there’s a surprise collaboration in there. We also had artists like Atlay, Frya, Msaki and so on who brought a lot to this season following their music being featured in season one.”

WHAT SHOULD THE AUDIENCE PAY ATTENTION TO?

Ending off the Q&A, we asked Nosipho what should Blood & Water fans pay attention to this season. 

“I absolutely will give no spoilers but what I can say is that we saw Puleng turn Fikile’s world upside down at the end of season one, and please be sure that it will only get worse from here. It gets worse before it gets better, as Puleng must learn to trust others. It gets super dangerous, super fun and the mystery is only just beginning.”

WATCH ‘BLOOD & WATER’ SEASON TWO TRAILER

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Season 2 loading: Let’s recap the mystery and drama of ‘Blood & Water’ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/breaking-blood-and-water-season-2-netflix-details-recap-season-one-teen-mystery-drama-series/ Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:33:31 +0000 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/?p=972963 The troubled teens of Parkhurst High are back! Season two of the African Netflix original series Blood & Water is set to premiere on Friday 24 September to the delight of fans of the award-winning teen mystery-drama series.

The six-episode first season — set in Cape Town — was released on Netflix on 20 May 2020. The series won Best TV Drama at the 2021 South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), as well as awards for cinematography and sound design.

Here is a recap of Blood & Water season one to get you up to date with all your favourite pupils at Parkhurst High.

‘Blood & Water’ plot synopsis

The series revolves around Puleng (Ama Qamata), a high school girl whose sister Phumelele was kidnapped as part of a human trafficking network shortly after birth.

After crossing paths at a party, she goes on a mission to find out whether Parkhurst High swimming star Fikile “Fiks” Bhele (Khosi Ngema) is in fact her missing sister.

While solving the puzzle, Puleng discovers that the mystery of her missing sister is not the only secret that her friends and family keep…

ALSO READ: ‘Blood & Water’ set to return with old favourites and new faces! [watch]

The start of the ‘Fiksation’

Viewers meet Meadowridge High School pupil Puleng while the Khumalos are celebrating what would’ve been Phumele’s 17th birthday.

Puleng jumps at the opportunity to leave when her best friend, Zama (Cindy Mahlangu), asks her to go with her to a party.

At the party, we meet the popular kids of Parkhurst High: Chris (Arno Greef), KB (Thabang Molaba), Reece (Greteli Fincham) and Fikile.

Puleng also meets Wade Daniels (Dillon Windvogel), the school photographer and the son of the prestigious private school’s principal. When Wade points out her uncanny resemblance to Fikile, she is intrigued, especially because Fikile shares the same birthday as her missing sister. 

Puleng Khumalo and Wade Daniels at the party. Image Supplied/Netflix

The next day, Puleng finds out that her father has been named a prime suspect in the disappearance of her sister. After getting suspended from Meadowridge High because of a physical fight, Puleng convinces her mother to send her to Parkhurst High with her using her mother’s maiden name as surname. 

One could say that this is where Puleng’s “Fiksation” began… 

Secrecy and strategy

Puleng’s first day at Parkhurst High. Image Supplied/Netflix

Wendy (Natasha Tahane) shows Puleng around Parkhurst High and suggests she joins the Magazine Society at the school. Puleng jumps at the opportunity she finds out that the Magazine Society will be interviewing Fikile about her campaign to become the school’s head girl.

KB becomes romantically interested in Puleng and the two hit it off. Wendy can’t believe that Puleng has started hanging out with the popular kids at the school and decides to change Puleng’s article into “Why Fikile doesn’t deserve to be Head Girl”.

Following the article, Puleng tries to clear her name but no-one except KB believes her.

Blood & Water Netflix
Puleng and Fikile Bhele at a party. Image: Supplied/Netflix

Puleng and Wade ‘on the case’

Puleng’s mission to find out if Fikile is her sister intensifies. She sneaks into Parkhurst High’s admin room to try and find Fikile’s birth certificate and almost gets caught in the act. Wade offers to help her in her quest, finding out that the name B. Jaxa appears on the certificate. 

Wendy Dlamini talking to Puleng. Image Supplied/Netflix

At another party, Fikile drinks too much and Chris tells her that Puleng is not who they all thought she was…

We also learn that Fikile is having an inappropriate relationship with her swimming coach, Chad (Ryle de Morny), whose wife is expecting their first child.

The plot thickens

Chris and Fikile release a video to the entire school that details Puleng’s family drama and her father’s trial and Wendy gets the blame. 

KB watches as Fikile confronts Puleng. Image Supplied/Netflix

An inquisitive Puleng figures out who sent the video and ends up fighting with Fikile. To take revenge, Puleng tells Wendy that Fikile is hooking up with Coach Chad and Wendy reports this to the principal. 

The principal confronts Coach Chad who denies everything and breaks it off with Fikile who is left heartbroken.

Parkhurst High principal Mrs Daniels confronts Coach Chad. Image Supplied/Netflix

Wade — who has started to develop feelings for Puleng — finds out that KB’s father worked at the adoption agency involved in a human trafficking scandal.

‘Blood & Water’ season finale

The season finale is full of twists and turns…

Puleng and KB at an intimate dinner with KB’s family friends. Image Supplied/Netflix
  • KB and Puleng connect on a much deeper level than before and they strengthen their relationship.
  • Puleng’s laptop is stolen and she notices a suspicious-looking car parked outside her house.
  • Wade and Puleng figure out that Fikile’s mother could not have a baby, making Fikile an adopted child. 
  • Fikile is not coping with the fact that her life is falling apart and confronts Puleng. A book drops from Puleng’s school bag that has photos of Fikile that leaves them both shocked.
  • The episode closes with Puleng telling Fikile that she thinks they might be sisters.
Fikile is in shock after finding the book that was in Puleng’s bag. Image Supplied/Netflix

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘BLOOD & WATER’ SEASON TWO

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