Love, Sex and 30 Candles is a South African drama film that will be released on Netflix on August 18, 2023. It is directed by Stephina Zwane and stars Amogelang Chidi, Bahumi Madisakwane, and Gabisile Tshabalala. It is based on a novel by Angela Makholwa.
“Love, Sex and 30 Candles” is a film that comes to us from South Africa, following the positive reception of recent productions from the country. Despite its title, this film is much more classical in both structure and theme compared to its counterparts. To give you an idea of what to expect, it is like a made-for-TV movie that, while trying to be modern, constantly reverts to the classic narrative of friends supporting each other and their respective romances.
Plot
The film follows four friends as they turn 30 and deal with the challenges of relationships, careers, and self-discovery. The film is said to be a “heartfelt and funny look at the realities of modern womanhood.”
About the Film
One commendable aspect of this film is that it knows its direction, purpose, and target audience. However, it does not attempt to surprise or innovate along the way. “Love, Sex and 30 Candles” tells a story of romance in the most classical manner, without venturing beyond the familiar comfort zone, despite being a story about women outside of their comfort zone, as implied by the script and title.
If you are looking for a made-for-TV movie, “Love, Sex and 30 Candles” is a good example of a story that will interest a certain segment of the audience, but will leave the majority feeling indifferent, especially those seeking emotions beyond the romantic developments of the main characters.
Nevertheless, it successfully narrates its intended story, delving into its characters and depicting the lives of these women in a natural and flowing manner.
However, the film’s pacing and theme did not convince us, at least not in our opinion.
Our Opinion
“Love, Sex and 30 Candles” promises to break away from tradition but continually reverts back to its more traditional side, particularly in its cinematography treatment.
Release Date
August 18, 2023