Movie Review: Khaki Fever
One-liner: Game performances, outlandish scenarios and raunchy comedy fuel this awkward, lightweight and hedonistic romp.
Director Brett Michael Innes, known for social dramas like Sink and Fiela se Kind, changes lanes with the R-rated sex comedy romp Khaki Fever. Having co-written the screenplay with Nick Ahlers, Innes applies his craft to something completely different after Daryn’s Gym, tapping into the raunchy Afrikaans comedy subgenre.
The film centres on a group of rangers at a private South African game reserve who start a dangerous competition: to see who can sleep with the most guests, win the seasonal tip jar and be crowned the “King of Khaki”. What begins as a simple premise quickly becomes a lusty comedy filled with various sexual encounters. After a bold start, Khaki Fever evolves into a kind of sports movie, as each ranger from a different walk of life strives to be the most virile. Their personal motivations and self-doubts emerge amidst a variety of comedic situations.
This spicy sex-capade is the film’s hook, turning a typical South African tourist attraction into a hunting ground where primal instincts take over. It’s a clever setting for this kind of film, as the rangers in their tight uniforms transform this into a fun, if morally bereft, catwalk comedy. Through each character, we discover what they’re truly after, whether it’s overcoming age, losing their virginity, saving a family member, getting an extra star for the reserve, winning true love or simply letting it all hang out.
Starring a local ensemble, this comedy romp has its charms, and the actors are clearly committed. While there are some awkward moments forever captured on film, most of the characters are likable even if the scenarios are questionable. Mixed with its sexual component, Khaki Fever will naturally appeal to audiences looking for something risqué. François Jacobs is the most recognisable face, exuding confidence, while Liam Bosman has fun as the outsider and Christopher Jafta establishes himself as a real contender. The game supporting cast also includes: Anja Taljaard, Trix Vivier, Abel Knobel, Sean Brebnor and Ilse Klink.
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The actors all do their part under what could be described as challenging circumstances, delivering unflinching performances while retaining a few shreds of their characters’ humanity. The film is essentially a raunchy reworking of the South African sitcom Hotel, a knock-off of The Office transplanted to a game reserve where the characters are all sex-starved reprobates. While it could have been a curious series rehash of The Office, it adds up to lightweight entertainment that pokes fun at the hospitality industry.
Although the characters start in a morally ambiguous place, there is some redemption toward the end. Regrouping and trying to improve the situation, the film ultimately has a happy ending. Khaki Fever may be a fun romp, but it’s the cinematic equivalent of junk food – simply titillating audiences with its mix of comedy and sexual conquest. While there’s a dark thrill to watching the rangers prey on their guests, the hollow film offers little depth or psychological exploration beyond their competitive streak. The comedy is mostly about attitude, situation and take-one-for-the-team spirit, your appreciation and tolerance of which, will largely sway your judgement and overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, Khaki Fever is a case of “it does what it says on the box.” If you’re looking for a movie about a roll in the veld with a few cringeworthy to funny moments, that’s exactly what you get. The performances ramp up the energy, the encounters add spice, and the game reserve concept feels mostly fresh, but there’s not much more to this mischievous comedy than meets the eye. A throwaway plotline about a missing dog serves as a weak thread, but aside from a shot of charisma and a wink, the film delivers what you’d expect in terms of entertainment value. Armed with a cut-to-the-chase appetite, Khaki Fever serves up low-hanging fruit comedy and sex without pretense.
The bottom line: Bawdy
