Director: Mandla Dube
Writers: Deon Meyer, Willem Grobler
Stars: Bonko Khoza, Connie Ferguson, Masasa Mbangeni
Synopsis: A retired assassin is pulled back into action when his friend uncovers a dangerous conspiracy at the heart of the South African government.
I wouldn’t say most streaming movies are bad. In fact, I would say most films, including big theatrical ones, are not very good. However, what I will say about Netflix is that they offer what most socially conscious film critics tend to whine and cry about not having enough of, yet ignore what the streaming giant offers the most: unique perspectives of genre films from across the world. Case in point: take the South African action picture Heart of the Hunter, a smart and handsomely crafted political spy thriller that entertains and has something to say in the process.
Heart of the Hunter’s story follows Zuko Khumalo (The Woman King’s Bonko Khoza), a family man with a dark past searching for redemption. The script by Deon Meyer (Hunting Emma) and Willem Grobler (Hum) layers in compelling moments from Zuko’s backstory that give the viewer added weight to care about the outcomes. For example, we learn why Zuko attempted to walk from his calling as a once-feared assassin—he killed a political target in front of their son and the guilt that comes with it.
Has Zuko found happiness? Yes, by holding a steady mechanic’s job and raising his son Pakamile (Boleng Mogotsi) with his beautiful wife, Malime (Masasa Mbangeni). However, that is all about to change as his old mentor, Johnny Klein (Peter Butler), arrives at his home and ambushes his place of work. This leads the Presidential Intelligence Agency (PIA) unwittingly to his front door, ordered by Mitma (Sisandra Henna), the South African presidential candidate who makes the great orange face look like a nuisance or mild irritant by comparison. The head of the PIA, Molebogeng (Connie Ferguson), is under pressure to bring Johnny to justice, but that’s because he has information on Mtima that could ruin his presidential campaign.
Directed by Mandla Dube, Heart of the Hunter could be considered the third chapter in his “Beyond Apartheid trilogy.” Alongside the riveting Silverton Siege and the enthralling Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, Dube specializes in films highlighting thrillers with added weight due to modern South African themes. Particularly, post-apartheid issues such as social oppression and articulating inclusive problems are incorporated into mainstream cinema.
In Heart of the Hunter, a mix of conspiracy and politics unfolds, with a subtext usually against some mystery that borders on fantasy. However, here, the film carries added weight as it encompasses decades of traumatic oppression handed down over generations. Much credit should go to the source material from Meyer, who co-wrote the script, as mentioned earlier. The collaboration between Dube and Meyer proves quite effective, with slick and effortlessly cool hand-to-hand combat scenes juxtaposed with gritty spy craft against the backdrop of what amounts to the “suppression of oppression.”
You’ll see many dismiss Heart of the Hunter as some type of VOD trashy indulgence, but don’t let the reputation of Netflix’s worldwide streaming dreams fool you. This is a super-cool action thriller with a lot of, well, heart. That’s because Khoza finds what makes the character of Zuko tick. He portrays a classic genre character torn between both sides; in this case, family and responsibility to a better tomorrow, in a wholly convincing manner. Not to mention, he has a commanding screen (or phone, tablet, or computer) presence that’s hard to ignore. (The character from the source material is practically Jack Reacher in physical prowess, which makes casting key here.)
While cinema snobs and purists, like myself, may stick their noses up at such action fare, it’s worth remembering that The Beekeeper garnered a majority of positive reviews in the trash dump of films released in January and February. Here, Dube’s film surpasses any action seen in that movie and is set against real-world issues. Heart of the Hunter is an impressive streaming thriller adaptation that I hope will lead to a franchise for Bonko Khoza and the rest of the filmmaking team.
For heaven’s sake, just enjoy the ride.
