It's so great to see a fresh perspective coming out of Johannesburg and this film has plenty of moments that feel so authentically real for modern South Africans. I loved the characters, the snappy dialogue, particularly from Lediga, with his dry, politically charged wit. The subtle socio-political commentary was also really brilliantly executed. But there were some low moments too. The story felt disjointed and the characters didn't seem to develop. We learn that they are both going through their own internal conflict, but we never see them deal with it openly as a couple or find any resolution in the end. Max is cynical and pessimist, stuck in a creative rut but ultimately doesn't seem to change or learn anything in the end. The ending is rushed and confusing. I get that there were some things that needed to be left unsaid, but there were definitely some that required a little more rounding off to give the viewer closure.
16 Reviews
Could have been better
skyhawk7728 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I had to watch this movie just to forget the dreadful Black Panther i had watched earlier in the day and i must say CF is a breathe of fresh air. Its a South African movie not about AIDS, crime or poverty. I could have easily given 7/10 but that would not be because of the quality of the film but because of the nostalgia of seeing places in Johannesburg i recognized.
Sam and Max are a middle class couple living in Johannesburg. They don't have kids so all they do (when money allows) is hang out with friends. Then a middle aged, well known writer and free spirit by the name Heiner shows up in their home and kind of disrupts the harmony. I say kind of because i had no idea why Max strongly felt Heiner would have sex with his wife while he was in Cape Town because the guy wasn't even talking to Sam let alone getting close to her. If anything he was an ideal guest. This is why i gave 6/10 because Max's fears are unfounded and yet all along he came across as a cool guy. Another issue i had problem with is did Heiner have sex with Sam or it was Max's imagination running wild ? The confrontation does not help answer this question because Heiner does not give a definite yes or no when asked if had sex with Sam.
As you would expect a film written and directed by a stand up comedian is bound to be funny. So is this one except that Max kinds of repeats the joke that same very moment but it only happened a few times.. The acting is good another breathe of fresh air. The sound is not of high quality all the time there is even a cringe worthy scene were two characters are talking in a room and we see them from outside the room and it seems the boom operator was outside too. I don't know what to say of the cinematography maybe that is what was intended. In short this film is a step in the right direction. Now i am waiting for a South African film with a Hollywood feel in terms of cinematography and production design.
Sam and Max are a middle class couple living in Johannesburg. They don't have kids so all they do (when money allows) is hang out with friends. Then a middle aged, well known writer and free spirit by the name Heiner shows up in their home and kind of disrupts the harmony. I say kind of because i had no idea why Max strongly felt Heiner would have sex with his wife while he was in Cape Town because the guy wasn't even talking to Sam let alone getting close to her. If anything he was an ideal guest. This is why i gave 6/10 because Max's fears are unfounded and yet all along he came across as a cool guy. Another issue i had problem with is did Heiner have sex with Sam or it was Max's imagination running wild ? The confrontation does not help answer this question because Heiner does not give a definite yes or no when asked if had sex with Sam.
As you would expect a film written and directed by a stand up comedian is bound to be funny. So is this one except that Max kinds of repeats the joke that same very moment but it only happened a few times.. The acting is good another breathe of fresh air. The sound is not of high quality all the time there is even a cringe worthy scene were two characters are talking in a room and we see them from outside the room and it seems the boom operator was outside too. I don't know what to say of the cinematography maybe that is what was intended. In short this film is a step in the right direction. Now i am waiting for a South African film with a Hollywood feel in terms of cinematography and production design.
lovely but boring
mandygaziel7 February 2019
I was excited to see this movie as an ex-South African.
And I loved the scenery, the Joburg vibe, the reality of this little slice of middle class South Africa.
But, on the other hand I was bored. The movie was slow. The acting was ok, but the story line weak. I found myself skipping parts.
So a medium review I'm afraid. Hoping for better stuff next time.
Great Characters, ugh what's the story?
ronquint-316-42910227 May 2018
While the acting was solid, the characters are led through a bunch of situations - many of which are drinking scenes - where the jealousy, love, anger, commitment, and freewill are explored. Overall, the film is scattered and disconnected. Even the B-Roll is duplicated. The story also tries to be intellectual, hip, and socially progressive against a backdrop of traditional values. This just confuses the view into thinking the movie might be about something. Ultimately, the movie ends.
Fun to watch RomCom
smithiealan4 May 2020
With a great production value and believable performances from the cast this certainly is worth a watch.Max, Sam, Heiner, and Joel all deliver and do not disappoint.
It is interesting to see how Johannesburg life amongst the successful is portrayed, and the visuals are great. The story seems to lag at times, but it works well as a RomCom as we associate with the dilemmas and choices made by the characters as they muddle through their respective situations.
An interesting portrayal of a modern day romantic couple in the South Africa of today.
It is interesting to see how Johannesburg life amongst the successful is portrayed, and the visuals are great. The story seems to lag at times, but it works well as a RomCom as we associate with the dilemmas and choices made by the characters as they muddle through their respective situations.
An interesting portrayal of a modern day romantic couple in the South Africa of today.
Americanizing is NOT the Way to GO!
katrinakell10 June 2018
This film had a decent plot but the attempt to lower the standards and Americanize your movies South Africa is not the way to go. The drug use and excessive profanity is tasteless and it not what I remember films from this region to be. I use to love to watch films from this region because the plots were so twisted, people had culture and class. But now it seems like the films are being Americanized with unnecessary filler that we can just do without.
Beautiful, relatable RomCom
linda-93355-3709718 May 2018
Catching Feeling is an easy relatable romantic comedy filmed in the backdrop on Johannesburg. Kagiso brings the funny side of the story in his stuck up academic demeanor while Pearl shows us why she was cast on Quantico and all that Eye/A$$ candy doesn't hurt one bit. How can I not mention Akin in his 3 way with a married woman. Well worth the trip to the movie theater or couch. get some popcorn and get ready to laugh.
A must watch!
apaillusseau12 March 2018
I had the chance to watch this movie with the director himself. A really great movie that takes place in the nice spots of Jozi & Cape Town. It's absolutely great to see Johannesburg city differently in this movie. It's (too) often associated to violence, safety, robbery etc.
Couple relation is the main topic of this movie. The way it is approached with great sensibility and humor is a real pleasure to watch.
I highly recommend this movie on a cold sunday of winter with a hot chocolate and your loved one :-)
Thanks a lot!
I highly recommend this movie on a cold sunday of winter with a hot chocolate and your loved one :-)
Thanks a lot!
Brilliant Arthouse movie
willsm-3880120 May 2018
Husband and I reluctantly started watching the movie, not sure where the story was going. Good job we persevered, difficult to watch in places but with a stimulating sense of social realism and a focus on the thoughts and motivations of characters as opposed to a goal-driven storyline. Would love to see Kagiso Lediga on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah!
"I'm sorry, its just your condescending tone, your condescending tone!"
juanmuscle18 October 2018
This was a masterpiece; this was really nice I hate to say the black Woody Allen but... dang! It was just very smart, interlarded with wit and excellent rapier banter all around; everyone was deep and intellectual, it wasn't just throw someone under the bus and forget about them, no, everyone had something more profound than the average cliched non creative script, for sure the person who created this was very very creative. I just came here to say that this was a wonderful story and really this is how you put together a fine script - and I would love to see more from this writer/director and very well rounded thespian to boot! So yeah, check this out on Netflix and enjoy some nice story-time.
A+ Romantic Dramedy
renaissancechick17 June 2018
I truly enjoyed this film. It focuses on the lives of a writer/professor, his professional friends and their relationships. This is an intellectual film, which I found to be well-written, well-acted and imbued with good humor. Also has a banging soundtrack.
Awesome! Really enjoyed it!
zwakelezuma3 July 2019
"CATCHING FEELINGS" ends with Good Feelings.
KATO-SUBZERO16 March 2020
15 March 2020: Net Flicks is doing a really good job of showing t.v shows and movies made in foreign countries. I am hooked on Beautiful, Talented and sexy biracial South African actress, PEARL THUSI after watching her in "Queen Sono". She is well worth watching. She is a natural. Pearl is the Halle Berry over S.A.
I would like to see Pearl in Hollywood movies the same as South African actress, Charlize Theron. I just watch "Catching Feelings" and the entire cast is good, including actor, writer and director Kagiso Lediga and supporting actor, Akin Omotoso.
It is a big improvement for Africans and Biracial Africans in South African since the history with dark skinned Africans having to endure a lot of hate, bigotry and racism over the years. Kudos, two thumbs up.
I would like to see Pearl in Hollywood movies the same as South African actress, Charlize Theron. I just watch "Catching Feelings" and the entire cast is good, including actor, writer and director Kagiso Lediga and supporting actor, Akin Omotoso.
It is a big improvement for Africans and Biracial Africans in South African since the history with dark skinned Africans having to endure a lot of hate, bigotry and racism over the years. Kudos, two thumbs up.
Brilliant South African Excellence
ora871218 March 2018
A great watch!
douteke24 July 2020
Great movie
rmahlakola18 March 2018
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
