The story itself is well written. I feel that the series has a lot more potential. It should have been filmed in Afrikaans. The farm scenes and culture would be much more eerie and true to the culture if the series was done in Afrikaans with an English dub as an option. We need to change the typical nature of Afrikaans series and I hoped this series would do that . Producing it in Adrikafrikaans would have set it apart from the typical netflix look. It is excellent otherwise and well shot for a South African production.
33 Reviews
Almost good
sidevercontent2 April 2021
The first episodes were good but it seems the writers put themselves in a corner and couldn't live up to the hype they had built up
It ends up being an underwhelming experience which lives you with more questions than answers.
Total garbage
info-781-63343715 July 2021
I'm a South African and really wanted to like this local series... I couldn't... there were just so many mistakes in the storyline which culminated in the most absurd denouement I think I've ever seen. What a shame, what a waste of good talent in this country. Still waiting for a good series. This was a total shambles, but hey, some people loved it!
the messed up ending ruins the show
larajacobs-3872419 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was good... until the ending really disappointed me.
/// spoilers //// Having her be the sacrifice at the end was a Choice, and one that I and my mother are hurt by. Instead of saving good people and have justice prevail in the evils of the town, or at least not ending it with a victim of sexual assault and rape being surrendered to more violence and assumedly more sexual violence and abuse... this is horrible in any situation and worse in a country which is often called the rape capital of the world, ending the series where there is no justice for her, only more suffering is a really damning and triggering decision. It seems specifically unfair to survivors of sexual abuse. Yola's story seemed to hinge on her figuring things out and finally getting back her power and facing the people who wronged her so one would assume this would end on that note, but instead she was sacrificed to the very violence she tried to save a young girl from and it turns out that she was the target all along. This series could have ended much differently and I personally choose to believe it ended with Yolanda sitting on the sand and then going back home, and after the end of the series gets the therapy and is safe as she deserves as well as giving Themba land and so on, instead of the canon where we end with her in a worse place than the one she started, which although somewhat arguable since she went through a lot to get to the truth and have agency but at least she wouldn't be back in the hands of the people who traumatised her before. I had higher hopes for this series but the ending trumps much of the good I had to say as that was truly devastating and I'm both sad and angry to see that while the glowing reviews are deserved to a degree, I wish I saw people critiquing the ending and handling of rape in this series, on which I have many more thoughts but I was willing to look past the rest to finish the series but the ending truly ruined it for me and my mom, seeing sexual abuse depicted is never easy, but the injustice of it ending this way is beyond words for me. Yola being sacrificed and abused further to "save the town" after running away from said town after a childhood of abuse is really horrible and I find it really upsetting that the decision was made to end it this way.
/// spoilers //// Having her be the sacrifice at the end was a Choice, and one that I and my mother are hurt by. Instead of saving good people and have justice prevail in the evils of the town, or at least not ending it with a victim of sexual assault and rape being surrendered to more violence and assumedly more sexual violence and abuse... this is horrible in any situation and worse in a country which is often called the rape capital of the world, ending the series where there is no justice for her, only more suffering is a really damning and triggering decision. It seems specifically unfair to survivors of sexual abuse. Yola's story seemed to hinge on her figuring things out and finally getting back her power and facing the people who wronged her so one would assume this would end on that note, but instead she was sacrificed to the very violence she tried to save a young girl from and it turns out that she was the target all along. This series could have ended much differently and I personally choose to believe it ended with Yolanda sitting on the sand and then going back home, and after the end of the series gets the therapy and is safe as she deserves as well as giving Themba land and so on, instead of the canon where we end with her in a worse place than the one she started, which although somewhat arguable since she went through a lot to get to the truth and have agency but at least she wouldn't be back in the hands of the people who traumatised her before. I had higher hopes for this series but the ending trumps much of the good I had to say as that was truly devastating and I'm both sad and angry to see that while the glowing reviews are deserved to a degree, I wish I saw people critiquing the ending and handling of rape in this series, on which I have many more thoughts but I was willing to look past the rest to finish the series but the ending truly ruined it for me and my mom, seeing sexual abuse depicted is never easy, but the injustice of it ending this way is beyond words for me. Yola being sacrificed and abused further to "save the town" after running away from said town after a childhood of abuse is really horrible and I find it really upsetting that the decision was made to end it this way.
Amazing production
juliakinghorn23 February 2021
Terrible
vdmerweplan22 March 2021
I had high hopes in the light of how excellent Spoorloos and Inconceivable were. But this is a convoluted, melodramatic bunch of nonsense. Won't bother to watch the second series although the final episode leaves more questions than answers.
Almost unwatchable
OCarlisle14 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to like this.
I made it to the third episode, but that ever-present and loud atonal music, the fake melodrama in non-dramatic situations, the complete overwroughtness of everything, all make it a series that I simply cannot continue watching.
I understand what it's trying to do, bringing in themes like South African land restitution and rainbow-nation dynamics.
But by episode three, I haven't found a single character to care about. That is the very basis of storytelling, and sadly this series fails at that.
I truly don't care what happens at the end.
I made it to the third episode, but that ever-present and loud atonal music, the fake melodrama in non-dramatic situations, the complete overwroughtness of everything, all make it a series that I simply cannot continue watching.
I understand what it's trying to do, bringing in themes like South African land restitution and rainbow-nation dynamics.
But by episode three, I haven't found a single character to care about. That is the very basis of storytelling, and sadly this series fails at that.
I truly don't care what happens at the end.
Epic fail
ndebelemuzy1 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The worst television series I've ever had the displeasure to watch. The intrigue you'd expect from a psychological thriller was sufficient enough, but it just felt like the creator never had better ideas to progress his plot past that. It basically became a progression of some underwhelming, unsuccessful punchlines coupled with an over compensation of scenes with eerie. Yes it was audacious and daring, but no, it failed in ways I cannot even begin to explain.
Language
marius-663503 March 2021
Insanely refreshing and brilliant.
luciameyermarais5 March 2021
What an insanely refreshing physiological thriller/horror which is both tense and entertaining to watch! So up my alley when it comes to this genre. And to see stellar performances from great South African actors. All elements of filmmaking mesh so well together. Great design and cinematography that give such a stunning world that is so unique and believable. Season 2 please!
DAM GOOD
cumanimaneli23 February 2021
Everything is divide until it all comes together in this epic psychological thriller about a prodigal daughter who returns back home for her father's funeral but then she soon finds herself neck deep in family secrets and the dark history that involves the rest of the town's folks.
DAM is truly a thought-provoking series and one that was needed but the industry for it's bold approach, both in the filming style and stoeyline and as I was watching I found myself taunted by the genuis of the writer, when analysing the hidden massage that is carefully wrapped around this beautiful world and the characters portrayed. I have to say I appreciate the subtle undertones imbued in the horrific darkness which tries to lead the viewer to a brighter understanding in terms of who we can be as people when we choose to work through our indifferences to find a common ground, our fears sometimes make us overlook our humanity but like it or not we inherit the same world and we have inherited the sins of our fathers and as we try to figure our own path we must not forget that no matter what, we are not the embodiment of their choices and should not be forced to atone for their sins but we can amend the wrongs where we can to make things right and that is what Yola does. She decides to do the right thing by choosing not to ignore the wrongs and in a way I think that is what the writer is trying to say to us the viewrs.
We have to choose not to ignore the problems and tackle them or even if we choose to continue along the path of our forefathers letvus not let thrive from the pain we cause on others because when the DAM overflows , we will still need each other to make sure we do not get washed away and by washing away, I am talking about being brainwashed to hate each other and that should stop.
That is my take from this beautiful story. I hope I did not politicize it too much. I have truly enjoy DAM.
That is my take from this beautiful story. I hope I did not politicize it too much. I have truly enjoy DAM.
A new Era for South African Tv
dijit-5331323 February 2021
Harrowing and Intelligent
cicoriafam6 March 2021
Thriller fans are treasure hunters! DAM is a South African Treasure!!! It is beautifully written, the cinematography, incredible performances and brilliant edit make this a must see! I binge watched the entire Season over an evening and morning! I was engrossed! A spectacular piece of work! It is a gripping, well constructed thriller that builds, twists and compounds the tension as events spiral out of control. I couldn't stop watching! Alex Yazbek is a brilliant story teller!!!
Speechless
jyazbek23 February 2021
Unlike anything I've ever seen
theresaghobril26 February 2021
DAM is what South African cinema has been waiting for. Writer and Director, Alex Yazbek, has successfully merged together our diverse cultures, as well as capturing what is submerged when people suppress their deepest and darkest secrets. Not knowing what to expect, I thought I'd dip my toes in the water to test out this new series, however, the wonderfully crafted script, beautiful cinematography and highly effective sound design pulled me in from the very beginning. Not to mention the superb performances from the brilliant cast. (I found Neil Sandilands' "Bernoldus" to be particularly enjoyable.) DAM is truly a unique approach to South African filmmaking, and in my opinion, it blows a lot of international series out of the water! I can't wait to see what Alex Yazbek comes up with next...
Absolutely Blown Away!
farrenangussmith26 February 2021
In my humble opinion, DAM is not short on anything but an award. After watching DAM I was absolutely blown away. The director and writer, Alex Yazbek, had me captivated from the start, right until the end with a thrilling storyline. At times he had me on the edge of my seat and I was completely engrossed throughout. The direction, the cinematography, the sound and the actors all made this into what I would call a South African masterpiece with an international flair. I would certainly recommend watching this again and again.
So Damn cool!!
liamleonard-730549 March 2021
Literally had to binge it all in one day because it was so good! The plot was amazing and kept you hooked the entire time without being obvious in the slightest! Loved the acting, loved the directing, loved the script, loved the location, and loved the cinematography and the cool areal shots! Immensely proud that this came out of SA!! Can't wait to see whats next...
Worth the binge
supatube22 March 2021
It's looks really great, there's a certain intensity in the beginning and it keeps you there for the most part. Eventually the pace starts to drag, the beautiful shots linger too long and it slips into melodrama instead of horror.
Hopefully a second season will evoke more action and less crying. More intensity and less feelings. I still recommend the binge watch.
Dam that was brilliant.
francoisephillips13 March 2021
Outstanding
nixsharp12 March 2021
Brilliant!
gdgjtgyq12 March 2021
A must see !
misslane-132-67136523 March 2021
Really unique storyline
emmanuelmutisya-1696828 March 2021
Sterling Work!
buhlemajokweni29 March 2021
What a journey from start to finish! DAM is filled with strong performances, innovative cinematography as well as an unsettling score that has you on your toes as the story itself begins to pick up. This production is a HUGE step forward for South African cinema. Congratulations to all of the crew involved, wonderful work!
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