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‘Maternal Instinct’ exposes the deadly cost of living a lie

This review delves into 'Maternal Instinct', one of Netflix's most disturbing true-crime documentaries, exposing how unchecked deception can lead to unimaginable violence. It…

From left to right: Sthandiwe Kgoroge, S'dumo Mtshali, and Gugu Gumede

Inside ‘The Polygamist’: The cast unpack betrayal, desire and emotional survival

The cast of Sue Nyathi's viral Netflix adaptation, 'The Polygamist', delve into the series' intense themes of betrayal, desire, and emotional survival, reflecting on how the show…

Based on Sue Nyathi's novel, Netflix's ‘The Polygamist’ turns a familiar story of love, betrayal and power into one of the most talked-about South African dramas of the year

The Polygamist: Familiar themes, powerful performances

The new Netflix series, The Polygamist, based on Sue Nyathi's novel, has become a major talking point. This 22-episode drama features a strong cast led by Gugu Gumede as Joyce…

Buried in trauma: Yahya Abdul-Mateen’s performance exists within a story that has a long and varied history
in Man on Fire. Photos: Supplied

Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ has no heat

A bloated, cliché-ridden adaptation buries Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s charisma under a meandering plot that never ignites

Will they/won’t they: Will Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani) and Kagiso (Bohang Moeko) make it down the aisle in one piece. Photo: Netflix

Netflix reimagining December viewing

The streaming giant and local filmmakers are reshaping festive storytelling with relatable, binge-worthy South African stories

MAGA champion: Donald Trump’s solution is to “permanently” ban
immigration from all “Third World” countries.

Inside the G20 Animal Farm

African wildlife policy must be led by African scientists and communities, not curated for private facilities an ocean away

Authentic: Bad Influencer creator Kudi Maradzika. Photo: Andre Berry

Kudi Maradzika’s Bad Influencer captures Joburg’s counterfeit glamour

With an all-star cast, the seven-part Netflix series unpacks fame, fraud and female empowerment in the modern African cityscape

Screenshots: Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana in court after they were caught in Tanzania. Photos: Netflix

Nothing new under the sun in Netflix’s Beauty and the Bester

Netflix’s Beauty and the Bester retells a scandal already splashed across headlines — but does it add insight or merely feed obsession?

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The Future is Streaming Now 

South Africa’s Boldest Young Storytellers and Talent Find a Home on Netflix As the Mail & Guardian unveils the 2025 edition of its iconic 200 Young South Africans list, with…

Buon appetito!: Chef Ashton Frodsham and his team took weeks to work out the menu at Pink Mama’s, which
uses seasonal ingredients. Photo: Taff Studios

Come home to Mama’s

From screen to plate … this restaurant brings Italy to the heart of Johannesburg

Unseen returns for an explosive second season.

Blood, tears and bodies: Season 2 of Unseen carries on the drama

The cast is great, the cinematography is excellent and the themes universal

Meet the Khumalos. (L to R) Bonga Dlamini as Vusi Khumalo, Connie Gabisile Chiume as Mavis Khumalo, Jesse Suntele as Sizwe Khumalo, Khanyi Mbau as Grace Khumalo in Meet the Khumalos. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024

Neighbourhood watch: Meet the Khumalos

A family feud reignites but love complicates the battle in this sharp comedy about pride and parenting.

Home is where the heart is: Hendrik Nieuwoudt as Sean and Anathi Rubela as Gift in a scene from the Netflix Afrikaans series Tuiskoms.  Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

Tuiskoms: Finding healing in humour

Series captures the complexity of grief, family and rediscovery through love

Mixed messages: Andile (Kay Sibiya) and Jessica (Trix Vivier) in the second film in the series Umjolo: Day Ones. Photo: Netflix

Four films are low on romance and responsibility

A new film franchise explores modern love but fumbles the chemistry and connection

Mr Easy Loo is based on late Soweto businessman Nkopane Sam Matona, who revolutionised sanitation through his mobile toilet business, a first in the townships in the Eighties.

Laughter, legacy and resilience: The story behind Netflix’s Mr Easy Loo

Biopic about the township entrepreneur weaves humour with inspiration

The track blends smooth jazz influences with upbeat deep house rhythms.

Diary: Crump and Edsoul unite, Young, Famous & African season three, Hey Neighbour festival

Your essential dose of arts and culture

Netflix’s strategy has been to offer a blend of local and global entertainment

Netflix’s epic African journey

The global streaming giant’s strategy has been to offer a blend of local and global entertainment

Spearheads: Siblings Khanyi Adesina (Xolile Tshabalala), Mandla Ndlovu (Buyile Mdladla) and Siya Ndlovu (Mike Ndlangamandla) in a scene from the series Blood Legacy. Photo: Netflix

Star-studded drama series Blood Legacy can win awards

Although offering thrills and glam, Blood Legacy, based on a Mexican series, tells us we need more original African content from the global streamer

Local story: Behind the scenes at the shooting of the South African movie Greytown Girl, in which former newscaster Uveka Rangappa (centre) plays her first acting role. Photo: Supplied

Uveka Rangappa: The bittersweet emotions of a first-timer

We speak to Uveka Rangappa about her first role as local stories queue up for film and TV awards

Lerato get your gun: Thami Radebe, played by Kagiso Modupe, who is also the executive producer, and his daughter, the eponymous Lerato, played by Nefisa Mkhabela, in Losing Lerato 2. Photo: Netflix

Much lost in Lerato follow-up

The new movie has its merits but it isn’t a patch on the highly acclaimed first one