Valentine’s Day 2025 is about to get a whole lot spicier with the release of Umjolo: There Is No Cure, a film that promises to be the perfect blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Directed by the talented Mthunzi Dubazana, this movie is set to explore the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking world of modern dating. And let’s be honest, in the age of dating apps and sliding into DMs, we all need a little therapy—or at least a good laugh.
The Plot: Love, Chaos, and a Whole Lot of Drama
The story revolves around four friends—Londeka Sishi, Nombulelo Mhlongo, Yonda Thomas, and Busisiwe Mtshali—who are navigating the wild world of umjolo (that’s Zulu for dating, for those who’ve been living under a rock). Each character brings their own unique flavor to the table, from hopeless romantics to serial ghosters. Tina Redman, the fifth wheel in this chaotic friend group, steals the show with her no-nonsense attitude and razor-sharp wit.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say the film explores the highs and lows of dating in the digital age. Think awkward first dates, cringe-worthy text messages, and the eternal struggle of figuring out whether “Hey, you up?” at 2 a.m. is a booty call or a cry for help. Spoiler alert: it’s usually the former.
The Cast: A Perfect Mix of Talent and Charm
The cast is a dream team of South African talent. Londeka Sishi shines as the hopeless romantic who believes in fairy tales but keeps matching with frogs. Nombulelo Mhlongo plays the sassy best friend who’s always ready with a glass of wine and a reality check. Yonda Thomas is the smooth-talking charmer who somehow always ends up in the friend zone, and Busisiwe Mtshali is the overthinker who analyzes every text message like it’s a Shakespearean sonnet.
And then there’s Tina Redman, the scene-stealer who delivers some of the funniest one-liners in the movie. Her character is the kind of person who would respond to “I miss you” with “Miss me with that nonsense.” We stan.
The Humor: Laugh Until Your Sides Hurt
One of the standout features of Umjolo: There Is No Cure is its humor. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should you. From awkward Tinder bios (“I’m fluent in sarcasm and can cook instant noodles like a pro”) to the classic “Why did you leave me on read?” meltdowns, the movie captures the absurdity of modern dating with a sharp, witty edge.
There’s a particularly hilarious scene where one of the characters tries to impress a date by pretending to be a vegan—only to be caught red-handed eating a boerewors roll at a braai. Chef’s kiss.
The Romance: Sweet, Sassy, and Sometimes Messy
Of course, it wouldn’t be a rom-com without a little romance. The film delivers plenty of swoon-worthy moments, but it also doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love. Whether it’s unrequited crushes, love triangles, or the age-old question of “What are we?”, Umjolo keeps it real.
And let’s not forget the chemistry between the cast members. The on-screen relationships feel authentic, which makes the emotional moments hit even harder. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably text your ex at 2 a.m. (Don’t do it. Just don’t.)
The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Anyone Who’s Ever Been in Love (or on Tinder)
Umjolo: There Is No Cure is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural moment. It’s a celebration of love, friendship, and the chaos that comes with trying to find “the one” in a world full of “maybe’s” and “we’ll see’s.”
So mark your calendars for February 14, 2025, grab your squad (or your date, if you’re feeling brave), and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. And remember, as the film so wisely reminds us: There’s no cure for love, but there’s always wine.