Kagiso Modupe as Thami with Nefisa Mkhabela as Lerato in a scene from ‘Losing Lerato’ 2. Picture: Supplied
After watching “Losing Lerato 2”, which recently dropped on Netflix, I’m determined to watch the first movie, which was released in 2019.
Honestly, this movie had me in an emotional chokehold from start to finish.
When it comes to filmmaking, Kagiso Modupe of Bakwena Productions is au fait with how to connect with the audience through powerful storytelling.
He proves his Midas touch with this film franchise.
The movie opens with Thami (Modupe) being released from prison 15 years after he kidnapped his daughter, Lerato. Now a beautiful, confident young woman, Lerato (Nefisa Mkhabela) is over the moon to finally have her father back.
Despite the two learning that they are not related by blood at the end of season one, their bond remains stronger than ever.
With so much time to make up for, Lerato radiates this contagious energy, wanting to get her old man some new drip as his wardrobe is dated and reconnect him with old friends.
She also spoils him with an upgrade on his old home, making sure he has all the modern amenities needed as well as his favourite traditional welcome home meal: sheep head.
But the reunion hits a snag when Thami becomes ill while on their lunch date. At the hospital, Lerato, after giving the receptionist hell for making her father wait in the long queue, is devastated to learn that he needs to kidney transplant urgently.
Doctor "X" Xolani (Aubrey Poo) tries to explain that there is a long waiting list for patients. However, Lerato finds cold comfort in anything he says.
As such, she first turns to her stepfather Jake (Zolisa Xaluva), who is the Minister of Health, to intervene. But the timing isn’t the best. Jake is currently getting a lot of flak for bucking the rules and moving his younger daughter to the top of the heart transplant list.
His decision also impacts the career of the hospital CEO Joyce (Dineo Langa).
The press has been having a field day over this.
Her mother Thando (Samela Tyelbooi) offers little help too.
Desperate to save Thami, Lerato offers one of her kidneys. Sadly, she isn’t a match.
When Thami is rushed to the hospital for the second time, Doctor X tells her to make the most of whatever time is left.
But Lerato refuses to accept the situation and takes matters into her own hands, repeating the past actions of her father by taking everyone in the emergency room hostage.
In the tense hostage situation, the police are brought in to try and talk her into surrendering. However, Lerato’s love for her father and desperation to ensure he doesn’t die blinds her to any reasoning.
Modupe and Mkhabela steal the show with their respective performances. The chemistry between the two is incredible.
He juggles the emotions of remorse, pride and unconditional love with conviction. He also nails the nuances of a frail father.
Mkhabela, a rising talent in the industry, matches him marvellously as she reciprocates Modupe’s affection with blind loyalty, leaving her character vulnerable and irrational towards the latter part of the movie.
Zolani Phakade, who worked on “The River”, “Blood Diamon” and “District 9”, deserves praise for his delicate handling of an emotionally complex story.
He juggles the intense scenes with light-hearted moments to add some levity to the drama.
“Losing Lerato 2” boasts a heart-rending climax that will throw viewers for a loop. But they will also appreciate the authentic storytelling and first-rate performances, especially with the slice-of-life scenario playing out in the political subplot.
By the way, even if you haven’t watched the first film, you won’t be lost in the sequel as flashback scenes are interwoven into the storyline.
∎ “Losing Lerato 2” is streaming on Netflix.
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