#MrsRightGuy: An off-beat SA rom-com

Mrs Right Guy's Dineo Moeketsi and Lehasa Moloi. Picture: Antoine De Ras

Mrs Right Guy's Dineo Moeketsi and Lehasa Moloi. Picture: Antoine De Ras

Published May 20, 2016

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Mrs Right Guy - which showed at the Cannes Film Festival - premiered in SA at Ster Kinekor, Rosebank on Thursday night.

Scandal actress Dineo Moeketsi and Kota Life Crisis actor Thapelo Mokoena reunite on Mrs Right Guy after starring in the 2011 movie ‘Skyf’. You would be fogiven for not knowing the movie, as it did not do very well.

Mokoena doubled as the film’s producer and lead actor.

Mrs Right Guy starts when Gugu, played by the beautiful Moeketsi, is left stranded by her estranged husband in a hotel in the Seychelles. She then has to resort to some unconventional measures to settle her bill. However, the audience is still left wondering how she raised the money for her flight back to South Africa.

Needless to say, the experience leaves a bitter taste in Gugu's mouth.

Since we’re on the subject of low points - I wish the directors would have tried harder to show dreamier images of the Seychelles, instead of a Durban beach front-looking hotel (in my opinion). At the very least, ensure that the “Seychelles” of the film looks similar enough to the breathtaking images online to be convincing for filmgoers.

From then on, Gugu finds it hard to contain her intense hostility towards men.

The “all men are dogs” attitude slowly fades, however, as she finds herself developing feelings for her new manager Dumile, played by Mokoena.

Beyond providing obvious eye candy, Dumile proves to be highly ambitious and smart.

Gugu remains under his spell, until she discovers that she may not be the only one getting cosy with the boss.

To further complicate matters, Gugu finds herself smitten by a humble, up-and-coming... wait for it... chicken farmer, Joe (played by former SA's Sexiest Man contender Lehasa Moloi).

The typical rom-com love triangle will keep viewers intrigued and guessing who is going to win Gugu's heart.

Another sore point was Gugu’s bizarre love scene with Dumile. If I mentioned that the terms “sangoma” and “vumani bo” were used during what were meant to be steamy moments, would you believe me? Suffice it to say that it’s one of the more baffling moments in the movie. And trust me, there were many.

Asked what inspired the film, writer Mokopi Shale said: “The idea of talking about love and choices in the modern context, and the kind of challenges that black women and young black people are facing in South Africa today are what really inspired the movie and allowed us to explore this romantic comedy”.

“Sometimes we find ourselves in things that we are not sure of or running away from past hurts. That is the heart of what we were trying to achieve with the film: a story that we can all relate to, the story that will touch and speak to the heart,” added writer Pusetso Thibedi.

The Zone was packed to capacity with celebrities, filmmakers, movie fanatics, media, sponsors and the some of the cast members.

The red carpet was a bit of a chaotic scene, a little over-crowded. Perhaps the organisers should have opted for a bigger venue, considering the turnout. Nonetheless, Mrs Right's leading lady, Dineo Moeketsi looked ravishing in a black and white lace dress.

The film premiere received much support from the television and film industries.

Scandal stars Tumisho Masha, Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Idols’s judge and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo and Isibaya actor S’dumo Mtshali made an appearance, among others.

Critics have already predicted the film will be a hit.

• Mrs Right Guy opens at cinemas across the country on June 3.

 

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