Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic drama about interracial marriage; language, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Umjolo: Day Ones
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In UMJOLO: DAY ONES, Jessica (Trix Vivier), a White woman, and Andile (Khumbulani Kay Sibiya), a Black man, deal with the issues that arise in their marriage when their cultural differences outweigh everything good in their relationship. Constantly judged and chided by her in-laws, Jessica becomes withdrawn and defensive, while Andile demands more and more from her. Things get complicated when Andile reconnects with Zanele (Sibusisiwe Jili), a lifelong friend he has always had feelings for.
Is It Any Good?
The second installment of the Umjolo series focuses on the issue of cultural differences in an interracial marriage, filtered through over-the-top, soapy drama. Powered by a moving performance by Trix Vivier as Jessica, a White woman married to Andile, a Black man (Khumbulani Kay Sibiya), Umjolo: Day Ones makes viewers wish the melodramatic plot and bland direction were worthy of the actors' performances.
Everything that happens in the film is at the service of a story that's not very interesting to begin with, instead of focusing on the inner lives of these characters. It's a wonder that Vivier does so much with Jessica, giving her nuance and hinting at a rich backstory, since she is given lines that make it seem as if the film is rooting against her. It's unlikely that younger viewers will be captivated by the melodramatic nature of the film, while adults might find some of the twists laughable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Jessica shows courage by trying to learn about a different culture. What are some of the things you think she learned about her husband's culture?
How does Andile show a lack of compassion for Jessica? How could he have acted differently?
Jessica and Andile argue constantly. How do you think this affects their kids?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 20, 2024
- Cast : Trix Vivier , Khumbulani Kay Sibiya , Sibusisiwe Jili
- Director : Fikile Mogodi
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Black Movie Writer(s) , African Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 28, 2025
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