3 Days to Go

3 Days to Go is a 2019 South African comedy-drama film directed by Bianca Isaac. The star-studded cast includes Leeanda Reddy, Lillete Dubey, and Jailoshini Naidoo. This impressive roster of talent serves to bring a perfectly pitched slice of life, death, and everything in between to the big screen. In 3 Days to Go, the seemingly conventional elements of family, love, and tradition are submerged into a world tinged with humor, heart, and a hint of darkness.

The protagonist of the film is a feisty independent woman named Amy Pillay, portrayed by Leeanda Reddy. Amy is a complex and flawed character who has her struggles dealing with the responsibilities and expectations that come with adulthood. Reddy does an excellent job inhabiting the role, and she adds layers to Amy’s character through effective characterization, making the viewers engage fully with her struggles and victories.

The plot centers around the death of the Pillay family patriarch, and the drama unfolds when his four grown-up children are forced to spend the next three days together in their Durban home due to traditional custom. What is meant to be a time of grieving and respect for their father soon turns into chaos ridden with old wounds, misunderstandings, and pent-up feelings emerging from the past.

The theme of sibling rivalry plays out in colorful and multitudinal ways in the film, offering a realistic portrayal of the messiness of familial relationships and how these vary in intensity over the course of an individual's life. From Amy’s strained relationship with her boastful brother Pranesh, to the simmering tension between the pill-popping Kiara and stuck-up Janet, the narrative serves up a hearty helping of family dysfunction, but also the ties that can ultimately bind and heal.

One of the performances that steal the show is Lillete Dubey, who effectively plays the character of Ma’s repressed feelings. Despite her diminutive size and the apparent powerlessness of her station, her character holds tremendous sway over the family. In turn, her substantial emotional range is depicted as a force to be reckoned with throughout the film.

The humor in 3 Days to Go is both subtle and bombastic, delivered in the dialogue and the characters themselves. There is a clever balance between humor and dramatic elements. While the premise of the story may center on a somber event, the movie does not succumb to gloom but instead provides plenty of laughter thanks to sharp writing and engaging performances.

Bianca Isaac’s direction in the movie is commendable. The tight pacing, along with the skillful editing, ensures that the movie never feels bogged down in one mood or emotional state - it constantly moves and swerves in surprising and delightful ways. The director also beautifully weaves South African elements into the narrative, ensuring a fluid display of diverse cultures and traditions. This acts as a love letter to her country, allowing international audiences to appreciate and understand the unique characteristics of South African society.

The cinematography of 3 Days to Go is visually compelling. The movie captures the feel of Durban in vibrant hues while also highlighting the intricacies of the Pillay household, making the viewers feel as if they are a part of the familial chaos taking place within. From the bustling streets to the tranquil beaches, the spectacular visuals allow the audience to take a virtual tour of the picturesque city.

The crisp script, coupled with a poignant and relatable portrayal of family dynamics after the passing of a loved one, makes 3 Days to Go an enjoyable ride. The film is a beautiful blend of humor, warmth, and a dose of sobering reality. It walks the fine line between grief and humor so wonderfully and unexpectedly that it makes the viewers ponder on their own familial relationships, making them laugh one moment and reflect on their deepest emotions the next.

In conclusion, 3 Days to Go offers a delightful viewing experience loaded with humor, cultural diversity, and strong performances. It plunges audiences into the heart of familial dysfunction, while also reminding them of the ties that bind. Whether one is looking for a heartfelt film about family and tradition, or a light-hearted comedy to brighten their day, this film deserves a spot on their watchlist.