Pietie Beyers on his relatable romantic lead role in Eksie Perfeksie

In the Showmax Original raunchcom Eksie Perfeksie, Pietie Beyers (Pronk Primêr, Die Onderonsie, Getroud met Rugby) stars as André, who moves in with his new girlfriend even though they don’t really know each other - and discovers that she is still friends with all of her ex-boyfriends. Intimidated by their presence, André tries to befriend them, only to discover that all of Dalene’s relationships follow the exact same pattern ...

Watch the trailer for Eksie Perfeksie

With Eksie Perfeksie premiering on the African streamer on Friday, 9 August 2024, Roz Els caught up with Pietie to find out more. 

How would you describe André? 

I would describe André as an ordinary guy who, like all of us, has his “stuff”. He is really nothing and no-one extraordinary. I'd say he's someone who, especially at the beginning of the movie, is set in his ways. He has already been burned by love and tries to get through the day by leading a simple, almost monotonous existence - because he has been hurt so many times, and there has been too much excitement in his life. But then a different type of excitement lands on his doorstep and he has to decide whether to say yes to it or not. 

Could you relate to him?

I definitely found common ground with André, probably because, like him, I have my own quirks. I think we all have our hang-ups. André is so set in his ways, and doesn't always experience life as being easy, and sometimes struggles with himself. Those are all things I can relate to. I've never really been able to relate to roles where the romantic lead is powerful, and strong and awesome, because that's not who I am. I feel pretty flawed. 

In the movie, the concept of different types of people in relationships is depicted through a list of eight types. What number would you classify yourself as?

I have been a 3 at some point in my life, a velcro. Someone who becomes so obsessed with someone that it takes over their entire world. But now, at this stage of my life, I would say I’m a 1: the talker!

The spark between you and Dalene is so hot. How did you and Emma van Heyn bring the relationship between André and Dalene to life?

Emma and I have worked together before [on Matilda and Matthys and Twintig Tone in ’n Hangkas]  and we get along really well. I think we actually improve each other's work because we can communicate so well with each other and find common ground, about work and life. She is just an incredible person. I'm not saying that you always have to get along with your colleagues, but it helps quite a bit if you can communicate well, understand each other, and share a sense of humour. 

The exes make up quite a peculiar group. How did you work together as a group?

The group of exes was hilarious and I wanted to laugh myself to death at times. The scenes with them were so much fun, partly because everyone is so different and weird. It's like a motley crew of people, and it's like life, because we all have relationships with people who are different from each other. 

If I have to single out two people who made me laugh a lot, it would be Bobby van Jaarsveld and Johan Joubert. Johan Joubert! (laughs) He is one of my favourite people in life.

How was the atmosphere on set? What will stick with you?

There was a wonderful atmosphere on set. Many funny things happened, but what was very different for me on this set was that I had such a wild flu. The production team and the producers were super accommodating. I still had to shoot and work 12-hour days, but they helped me as much as possible. I slept between scenes, not because I wanted to be cute or funny or a diva! Let me put it this way: there’s a dreamscape scene in the movie, and I was so sick when we shot it, and I felt really out of it. When Corné looked back at the tape, it turned out really well, because André had to come across as disoriented and completely confused, and I was just like that!

The most challenging thing for me was trying to learn and perform a dance routine in one of Johannesburg's side streets while I was so sick that I could hardly stand. And we had to do running scenes when I felt like I couldn't even walk! But you gotta do what you gotta do. So, it wasn't the easiest time for me, but it was definitely worth it.

How was working with Corné Koegelenberg, the writer-director?

He’s amazing to work with because I trust his eye and judgment. He also doesn't take himself too seriously, and I like that. He sometimes acts as if he is not an artist but, in my eyes, he is an incredible artist. I hope we work together for a long time to come. 

What would you say are the most important, or most prominent, themes in the movie?

Love, the choices you make, and then how it plays out. Also the question of whether you can be friends with your exes. Is there room for that? Is it realistic and how do new partners feel about it? Is such a thing possible or not? Or is it a grey area where sometimes it is possible and other times not?

Why should people watch Eksie Perfeksie?

People should watch the movie because it’s relatable, whether it's because you have an ex, or whether it's about the quirks and flaws we all have, or about the characters. It's a great comedy; it’s an absolute blast. It's as absurd as life itself. And yes, there is a little hope and something beautiful in it too. 

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