Seriously Single

Seriously Single is a delightful 2020 South African romantic comedy film that captures the colorful and spirited essence of modern urban Johannesburg, narratively framed through the ups and downs of a characteristically contemporary dating life. Directed by Katleho Ramaphakela and Rethabile Ramaphakela, with a vibrant cast of Fulu Mugovhani, Thabo Malema, and Tiffany Barbuzano, the film mixes humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable struggles to yield a charming calamity of modern romance.

The story takes us through the life of Dineo (Fulu Mugovhani), a praiseworthy social media expert who embodies the paradox of our interconnected yet isolated digital age. Dineo is a hopeless romantic and leaps from one relationship to another with the dream of finding 'The One'. However, she continually finds herself falling for 'Mr. Wrong' and enduring the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Regardless, she always keeps her heart open for love, to the extent that her life revolves around her romantic involvements, making her narrative both compelling and resonantly relatable.

In contrast, her best friend and roommate, Noni (Tiffany Barbuzano), is a self-sufficient realist who resonates with millennial independence and freedom. Uninterested in settling down, Noni is ever joyful, living and advocating for a proudly single life. The film deftly navigates the dynamics between these two friends with differing ideologies, providing an interesting examination of the variations in contemporary romantic philosophies.

As the film progresses, the vibrancy of Fulu Mugovhani's portrayal of Dineo shines throughout. Her character's journey through failed relationships, misadventures in love, and self-discovery becomes substantially immersive, given the character's infectious energy and raw vulnerability. Through Dineo's journey, the film tackles themes of self-love, self-worth, and the importance of maintaining individuality within romantic relationships, which serve as the film's emotional backbone.

Thabo Malema, who plays Lunga, forms an important part of Dineo's love arsenal. Lunga's character is critical in helping Dineo navigate her complicated love life. Their relationship is beautifully relatable and complex, effectively adding to the narrative’s richness. Seriously Single also brilliantly showcases the friendship between Dineo and Noni, offering deep and tender moments of solidarity between two women navigating their lives and loves.

There's a lot to admire about how these characters are penned and performed. Notable is the robust portrayal of Johannesburg's metropolis, not only as a background but essentially as a character in itself. The city’s lively pulse and culture beautifully sync with the movie's energetic narrative. The director duo, Katleho Ramaphakela and Rethabile Ramaphakela, skillfully leverage the city's character to give the narrative a unique vibrancy and give the audience a memorable view of Johannesburg, crammed with popular eateries, late-night clubs, and beautiful vintage apartments.

Seriously Single is a fun-filled voyage that contours around the complications of modern dating within an ensemble of interesting characters, captivating storylines, and valuable life lessons. With a whip-smart script and some great comedic timing, the film simultaneously offers an overdose of laughter while resonating with the audience on deeper emotional levels.

Fulu Mugovhani, with her excellent performance as Dineo, and Tiffany Barbuzano, playing the part of Noni with great flair, bring to life the whole spectrum of being single and seeking love in the modern-day. They symbolize two extremes of millennial romantic perspectives and navigate their intertwined journey with a blend of humor and profoundness, making the movie both a fun watch and a thought-provoking piece.

In conclusion, Seriously Single is a warm, witty, and genuine movie that beautifully captures the highs and lows of modern romance. Through its charismatic characters, spirited script, and lively setting, the film manages to deliver a roller-coaster of emotions, making it a must-watch for any fans of romantic comedy movies.