10 February 2020
Rocketman (2019)
Rock biopic meets musical fantasy in this fabulous rollercoaster of a movie about a little boy called Reginald Kenneth Dwight, who grew up to be one of the greatest musical icons of all time – Elton John.
With Elton and his long-time lyricist, Bernie Taupin, collaborating on the music, it’s no surprise that the movie won Best Original Song at the 2020 Oscars. It also won the same award at the 2020 Golden Globes, along with awards for Taron Egerton in the title role and a nomination for Best Musical or Comedy.
Taron stars alongside Richard Madden (Game of Thrones’ Robb Stark), Jamie Bell (Billy in Billy Elliot) and Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World’s Claire and Hilly from The Help). Rocketman was penned by Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall and directed by double-BAFTA Award nominee Dexter Fletcher (who took Bohemian Rhapsody to completion after Bryan Singer was fired).
The movie scored 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, so it got plenty of love from critics to go with its awards.
Original African stories by local talent
Nilichoma
The Kenyan Showmax Original docuseries features celebs who received an unexpected windfall, and then blew it all. Premiering on 28 May 2024.
Mince Jou Hare S1
Shimmy Isaacs’s laugh-out-loud sitcom about a factory worker who opens a hair salon in her home is streaming on Showmax, with new episodes on Mondays.
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Now streaming.
Big Girl Small World
Big Girl Small World follows Ciku, a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Empini S1
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama about Ndoni, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard in search of answers. Landing 23 May, with new episodes weekly.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
Ultimate Girls Trip SA: What happens in Jamaica?
More Mzansi gold
Must-see confessional looks in The Real Housewives of Durban S4
This season of The Real Housewives of Durban gave us some amazing confessional looks. Here are some of our favourite outfits from Season 4.
5 reasons to binge-watch The Mommy Club
If you haven’t watched the new season of The Mommy Club, now’s the perfect time to binge-watch it from the beginning. All episodes are streaming, with the reunion special landing on Showmax on 10 June 2024.
Mince Jou Hare S1
Frieda sets up her home-based hair salon after quitting her factory job alongside her best friend, Julia, in this delightful local sitcom.
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.