Leader (Karabo Lance) lives a seemingly perfect life, working as a perfect salesman, with a perfect wife and kids. But lately he hasn't quite been feeling himself. Leader's wife, Margaret (Millicent Tshiwela Makhado), suspects an affair and he suspects something else. His life is rocked to the core when he is diagnosed with GBS (Guillain Barré Syndrome) - a disease that will rapidly eat through his muscles, ending with his heart...within 48 hours. However, there is a flicker of hope. The disease can be cured...for five hundred thousand rands. But where will they get half a million rands from in less than two days? With every second leading to certain death, his wife encourages him to call his brother, Fistaz (Jeffrey Sekele), who through his thuggish ways might help quicker. But there's bad blood between them and they haven't spoken in years, Leader refuses to ask Fistaz for help even though his life literally depends on it. Margaret, being desperate to help and not willing to lose her husband just yet, asks Fistaz for the money. Cold hearted Fistaz doesn't seem to care that his brother is dying and instead sees an opportunity for vengeance. Besides, he's always found Margaret attractive and she would do anything to save her husband's life. Well, almost anything. In the meantime, Leader's sidekick/workmate/friend, Driver (Godfrey Thobejane) presents another opportunity for raising the money. As a rush against time ensues, secrets pop up and grudges are laid bare. 48 delves into the deepest darkest corners of the human psyche. To what lengths will a person go to push their moral boundaries? And really...what if you really knew?
—Bonginhlanhla Ncube