The mystery and whimsy of colourful caper Die Bloedhonde

Die Bloedhonde (The Bloodhounds) is a murder mystery and coming-of-age comedy drama that journeys with an amateur detective duo over the course of a breezy caravan park holiday. Parents like to remind us that idle hands are the devil’s tools but what if idle tools went after the devil himself? While this serves as a feature film directorial debut for Stiaan Smith, the actor turned filmmaker is best known for his starring roles in Sy Klink Soos Lente, Meisies Wat Fluit and Toorbos. 

A dapper, likable and charming actor, Smith co-starred opposite Elani Dekker in South Africa’s windswept period drama and official Oscar submission, Toorbos. Sharing great chemistry, their slow-burning on-screen romance ultimately turned into a real world connection. Now engaged, the couple’s three-year van-life journey around South Africa helped them conjure the offbeat characters and whimsical world of Die Bloedhonde. Co-writing the screenplay on the road, these special insights and a wealth of travel experience helped shape the film’s curious setting, intriguing story and quirky tone. 

Die Bloedhonde centres on a young woman’s self-appointed investigation at a Cape Town caravan park over the course of an awkward family holiday. A misunderstood loner with an appetite for adventure, Katrien trusts her instincts as she delves into the apparent suicide of a boy at the simple holiday resort. A gifted young woman with a knack for crime-solving, she uses her intuition and street smarts to implicate a beloved local dominee in what she believes to be murder most foul.  

At first reluctant, Katrien eventually befriends a middle-aged stoner named Jasper who becomes a Watson to her Sherlock. An unlikely team, the oddballs try to dream up a suitable name for their on-bicycle crime investigation unit. Navigating the resort’s holidaymaker community, thriving church culture and stoner scene, Katrien and Jasper pick up on a series of clues as suspicions fester in the dark. Gathering evidence and extracting testimonies proves to be more difficult than expected as “Die Bloedhonde” take matters into their own hands.   

Elani Dekker was a revelation in Toorbos, earning a SAFTA nomination for her compelling and resilient performance as a young woman trying to overcome her social status and societal expectations. Tackling similar themes, she immerses herself in the challenging role of Katrien in Die Bloedhonde. As complex, guarded and intelligent character who struggles to make social connections, Dekker is almost unrecognisable and comparable with rising international star Thomasin McKenzie.       

Having written the part specifically for Dekker, it’s easy to appreciate the fits-like-a-glove comfort of the lead performance through Smith’s in-depth understanding of Katrien’s idiosyncrasies. Another captivating turn, Dekker is supported by two of the best local actors working today in Tobie Cronjé and Waldemar Schultz. An acting veteran and national treasure, Cronjé swathes himself in a much darker dramatic role as the sketchy Dominee Lukas after a delightful outing in Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor. Then, going in the opposite direction is Waldemar Schultz, who lightens his dark Die Byl vibrations as a citizen detective, resident deadbeat and determined drifter.  

Having written for Hotel and Taktiek, Smith is no stranger to offbeat comedy, a slow-boiling, steady and ever-present element in Die Bloedhonde. The movie has a purposefully modest throwback feel, shot on location at Ou Skip Caravan Park in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town. This tongue-in-cheek tone plays into the moonbag dress sense and bumbling nature of the low-tech shoestring investigation. 

Die Bloedhonde is content to revel in the campy fun of no-frills family holidays and contrast this with the due seriousness of an apparent suicide. A contentious subject, the see-sawing leads to some absurdist humour and dark comedy as the breadcrumb trail leads the amateur detectives deep into the forest. A character-driven delight, Die Bloedhonde is as playful as its title and remains entertaining thanks to sharp performances, a kooky tone and plucky screenplay. 

Unpretentious, sharp-witted and spirited, much like its lead, Die Bloedhonde is full of surprises. As lighthearted as it remains on the surface, the themes around human connection are timeless as Katrien finds herself at odds with her family and community. Her journey of self-discovery leads the young woman to realise she can still find acceptance and love in spite of divergent beliefs and worldviews.       

Die Bloedhonde is an amusing yarn and thoughtful character study that blends the summer adventure holiday shenanigans with the swirling intrigue of detective crime dramas. A well-acted caper filled with sharp performances and curious characters, it entertains and compels through its absurdist whimsy and offbeat tone. If you enjoyed the unusual charm, cheeky comedy and intrepid spirit of investigation of crime capers like The Kid Detective and Enola Holmes, you should be on the right trail with Die Bloedhonde.