Home Wrecker review: This South African revenge drama has its moments, but lacks depth and nuance

2.5/5

STORY: While a young woman disciplines herself to reach a position at work, by even keeping her personal priorities on hold, another driven lady enters the scene and shatters all her dreams. 

REVIEW: Set in the urban locales of Johannesburg, writer-director Stephina Zwane’s suspense thriller film Home Wrecker is primarily the story of two ambitious women, who are competing over a coveted position at office as well as the same man in their lives. Tamara Oliphant (Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa) has rejected her long-term boyfriend Clinton Nkozi’s (Nay Maps) marriage proposal, as she wants to concentrate on becoming a name partner at the client servicing firm she is employed with.

This was the only focus of her life until Kenzie Miyeni (Letoya Makhene-Pulumo) is transferred from another branch, and is now seen as a tough competition for Tamara. The two ladies sharing the same office cabin only adds to the fire. And if that’s not enough, both Tamara and Kenzie are now involved in cracking a crucial deal with a client, the success or failure of which will redefine their status within the firm.

While Tamara is obviously threatened by the sudden intrusion of a rather evil-minded Kenzie, she is still willing to fight it out in a healthy competitive manner. But things take a bitter turn when Kenzie bumps into Tamara and Clinton one day, and it turns out that Kenzie and Clinton had known each other in the past, and their acquaintance could have been more than just friendship. The characters played by Craig Morris,

Tsholofelo Mashishi, Sean Brebnor, Nolo Phiri and Huey Louw comprise an excellent supporting cast. However, it’s Sandile Makhoba as Tamara’s friend and colleague Lawrence who steals the show, apart from the lead actors.

It becomes clear early on in the story that Kenzie is the homewrecker here. But she too comes from a broken family, and is struggling to deal with her unhealed wounds. And, therefore, has a motive for what she does. So much so that she is driven by this unbending desire to steal the joys of another successful woman. Envy and betrayal are what she is steered by.

Despite a seemingly predictable plot and traditional characterisation, the movie is not without its moments of twists and thrill. Even that, however, fails to lift the narrative from the usual suspense thrillers. Tamara and Kenzie, as strong and gritty professionals, do outshine the others. But, at the same time, their own characterisation lacks depth and nuance. 

VERDICT: If you enjoy dramas that revolve around power struggles, motive and suspense, Home Wrecker can be a good one-time watch. Despite some sparkling performances, however, the Stephina Zwane directorial fails to leave a mark.