Movie Review: A Kind of Madness
One-liner: While uneven, great chemistry and strong co-lead performances compel this exuberant, spirited and touching road movie.
A Kind of Madness marks the first English-language feature from celebrated South African filmmaker Christiaan Olwagen. Known for auteur-driven works like Johnny is nie dood nie, Kanarie and Poppie Nongena, Olwagen has built a reputation for bold artistic choices and masterful long shots. In A Kind of Madness, those hints of signature flair remain, though they are expertly tempered for a more mainstream, accessible appeal.
A vivid and often surreal journey, the film traces an elderly couple’s “road trip of a lifetime,” cleverly juxtaposing their current reality with the vibrant energy of their youth. In the present day, Elna has been moved to a care home, but her 70-year-old husband, Daniel, isn’t ready to let her go quietly. Their “jailbreak” becomes a last-ditch effort to rekindle their happiest moments through a runaway adventure to the coast. Despite the years, Elna remains young at heart, embracing the reckless abandon of the open road with the same zest she felt as a girl in love.
This rebellious “Bonnie & Clyde” act is as much about escaping the responsibilities foisted upon them by their children as it is about rekindling their love for each other. While their three adult children scramble to catch up and ensure their safety, the film peels back the prejudices surrounding aging, defying the notion that one must “quietly” fade away. The artistic imagery transforms the trip into a magical adventure, leaning into the idea that age is truly just a number.
This exuberant spirit is carried almost entirely by Sandra Prinsloo and Ian Roberts. These two legends of the local industry deliver full-tilt performances, throwing their cares aside with a tenacity that reminds audiences why they hold legendary status. Their work here earned them Best Actor and Best Actress at the SAFTAs that saw nearly double the usual number of contenders – a testament to the fact that it is difficult to imagine anyone else bringing such a “wild at heart” spirit to these roles.
“I think we may be lost… without each other.”
The pairing makes for a sweet-natured, nuanced dramedy that bristles with energy. Prinsloo is expertly cast as a woman navigating the increasing fog of dementia, while Roberts provides his trademark natural charisma as her untamable partner. Beyond the escapade, it is a heartfelt tale of a dysfunctional family coming to terms with the slow, steady process of grief around the loss of their mother and their parents’ aging.
While the story is relatively simple, it moves with deep care and passion. However, the sheer strength of the co-leads creates a slight imbalance; the rest of the ensemble feels somewhat overshadowed. Ashley de Lange and Luke Volker, who play the younger versions of the couple, are undeniably beautiful and share good chemistry, but they appear lightweight in contrast to the veterans. Because the script focuses so heavily on the present, the flashbacks can occasionally feel fleeting or vapid.
Similarly, while the three siblings are played by proficient actors like Erica Wessels, Evan Hengst, and Amy Louise Wilson, their characters often feel superfluous to the central romance. Ultimately, A Kind of Madness is a colourful, enjoyable and even kaleidoscopic film. While its simplicity and uneven performances keep it from reaching total narrative depth, it remains a memorable viewing experience, driven by two powerhouse leads who deserve every bit of our admiration.
The bottom line: Exuberant
