WKNDwatchlist: Landmyn, The Trek and Black Burns Fast
This week, we talk about three South African films, from the raw emotional crossfire of a coastal family gathering and the gritty psychological survival of the Karoo desert to the sweet, vibrant spark of a secret boarding school romance in Homegrown Grit.
Landmyn
Prickly, wistful and deeply haunting, Landmyn turns a dysfunctional seaside getaway into an uncomfortably compelling domestic drama. Anchored by a stellar ensemble navigating a difficult matriarch, the film immerses you in raw family politics, organic dialogue and intimate, free-flowing camerawork. It’s an authentic, close-to-the-bone family portrait of shared history and unresolved grief that refuses to look away from the cracks.
The Trek
Set in the unforgiving 1846 Karoo, The Trek is a striking, gritty South African Western that blurs the lines between frontier drama and psychological survival. Director Meekaaeel Adam frames the breathtaking landscape like an alien world, backed by committed performances from Morné Visser and Maurice Carpede. While the pacing occasionally wanders, its evocative atmosphere and thought-provoking themes of land and belonging deliver a powerful cinematic journey.
Black Burns Fast
Set within an elite South African private school, Black Burns Fast is a charming, bubblegum coming-of-age romance directed by Sandulela Asanda. The co-stars share sweet, natural chemistry, navigating a secret queer relationship against strict conservative traditions. Bolstered by playful, Scott Pilgrim vs The World-inspired flourishes and a warm heart, it trades heavy melodrama for an endearing, fresh perspective that marks an exciting directorial debut.
What’s on your watchlist this weekend? Let us know! For more reviews, head over to splingmovies.com. And remember: Don’t WING it, SPL!NG it!
