5 reasons to watch Meet Melusi

SAFTA-winning actor Mothusi Magano delivers an empathetic performance in the Mandla N-directed film Meet Melusi, a story about an ambitious father whose life gets turned upside down when he’s accused of corruption. Despite the odds stacked against him, he is determined to change his life around, for himself, his family, and a young man who claims to be his son.

From Magano’s poised performance as Aubrey to the film’s hard-hitting and authentic portrait of a black man’s struggle, there are plenty of things about Meet Melusi that will make you want to watch it. 

Here are the 5 reasons you should watch this film, now streaming first and only on Showmax.

1. It tackles prevalent family issues and unemployment

The film carefully lays out the numerous obstacles that get in the way of anyone trying to break out of a life of struggle when faced with unemployment. Aubrey loses his job and everything he’s worked hard for, and his wife leaves him, too.

The main theme of the film is fatherhood, and we see this in the relationship between Aubrey and Melusi. When the two meet under dire circumstances, they soon find themselves homeless, and the movie transforms into a sort of inner-city Pursuit of Happyness. 

It becomes a powerful story about the many challenges one faces in this journey we call life.

2. The performances

If there’s one thing that Meet Melusi got right it’s the casting. The film has an exceptional cast who do an incredible job bringing this nuanced story to life.

Aside from the four-time SAFTA-winning actor Magano playing Aubrey, there’s also the NVIFF Award winner Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile) as Aubrey’s wife, Linda, and the triple SAFTA-winning actress Linda Sebezo (Lockdown, Induku, Welcome To The Family) plays Aubrey’s mother. 

SAFTA winner Kenneth Nkosi (White Wedding, The Queen) plays Bongani. Black Brain Pictures is also widely known for introducing new talent to our screen and Lungile Khumo is a rising star playing the title role, Melusi.

3. Aubrey’s determination 

Life can put you down so many times but a person who doesn’t give up eventually reaches the heights he’s set out to achieve.

Aubrey’s story is touching but he shows determination as he knows he has a family to look after and bills to pay to stay afloat. It also teaches a lesson about how one silly mistake can cost you your whole life.

4. It’s produced by Black Brain Pictures, a production that gave us Lockdown

The film is produced by multi-award-winning production company Black Brain Pictures, which gave us Lockdown, Vula Vala, Loving Thokoza, and Boxing Day.

The production company has solidified itself as Mzansi’s best creators who produce authentic homegrown stories. Black Brain Pictures has won numerous awards for its content, and it’s no secret that a Black Brain-produced piece of content is always a must-watch. 

5. It’s hilarious

The film’s comic relief comes when Aubrey resorts to going back home to his mom. Things don’t go well there either, as she stays with a man who doesn’t give Aubrey the warm welcome he expects.

Actress Linda Sebezo shines at this point and gives us a stellar performance with so much humour and respect.

Watch Meet Melusi, first and only on Showmax