Created by Kudi Maradzika alongside two others, directed by Ari Kruger & Keitumetse Qhali and Executively produced by Simon Beesley in collaboration with a host of others including Kudi M. herself, this South African crime drama 7-episode miniseries titled BAD INFLUENCER is currently streaming on Netflix.

MAY contain spoilers from here on 

SYNOPSIS:
Drowning in debts and running helter skelter like a headless chicken from loan sharks, BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke) a single mother whose son is on the autism spectrum, constantly bullied in school, would do anything to give her son a better life including partnering up with Instagram influencer Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu) to sell fake designer bags.

Pinky isn’t particularly having the best of life herself in the real world as estranged from her own mother. The duo would have to find a way to navigate the harsh realities of life. Will they both drown or will they swim to safety? Best to find out yourself.

MY TAKE:
Phew! What a watch! This series draws you in from the very first scene! And I’m not mincing words. Well, at least, that’s how it made me feel.

STORY/PLOT:
Set in the modern day Jo’Burg, this series explored the struggles of many as it employed a very relatable tool (social media) in its storytelling. Nuanced in the Gen Z slangs, the drama highlights the results or consequences of desperation, money laundering, betrayal, love, second chances and survival.

The plot is steady, focused and straightforward throughout so much so at the end of the day, the intended message is passed crisp and clean.

CASTING/PERFORMANCE:
Casting couldn’t have been any better than this. All the actors appeared to have been tailor-made for the characters as they each ate their roles and left no stone unturned. Jo-Anne & Cindy being the lead actors shone brightly as they gave a stellar performance.

Zozibini Tunzi (former Miss Universe 2019) did great in her role as Naomi. Couldn’t help but put her in a juxtaposition with Nollywood actress Osereme Inegbenebor in the way she carried her role. Saw so much similarities in both actresses. The little boy who played Leo did great too interpreting a child on the spectrum. That was believable.

DIRECTION/EXECUTION:
Captivating how this caught my attention instantly and before I could remember to blink, I was already in the second episode. Yeah, the sequencing, pacing and direction were that good. This made the overall execution seamless.

TECHNICAL ASPECT:
I’m very particular about aesthetics. So naturally, the cinematography in this series was the first thing I noticed for how visually appealing this was. The sound score, audio, costumes, makeup, location and lighting were good. However, the hairs used were sometimes far from fashionable as they were questionable.

LESSONS:

  • The sub plot of Pinky and her mother is heartbreaking. It’s a shame some women would rather remain married than protect their daughters.
  • The ones you love the most are sometimes the same people who would betray you
  • When you’re not ready to love again, do not force it

OBSERVATION/QUESTIONS:
1. I can’t stop thinking how BK did not break her ankles when she jumped down from that fence in heels in the first episode. That wasn’t believable if you ask me.

2. Since BK could make bags that look almost as authentic as the original, why didn’t she carve her own brand and copyright it and make a healthy source of living for herself?

3. For all we know BK was living in a shabby extension room of a shop. What then exactly did she do with the money she borrowed from Bheki in the first instance?

4. With the cliffhanger ending, I guess it’s safe to say that we should be expecting a sequel for this series soon or thereabout.

5. Is it just me or does anyone else believe that there’s a plot twist hanging around Themba, the Specialist Cop/Science teacher for Leo. I feel there’s something he’s hiding and may just be guilty of the crime he’s fighting. I may be wrong though.

6. I also wanted to see ‘Cleo’ whom Leo said he wanted to be friends with in school. But in the end we saw him with another boy. That wasn’t Cleo, was it?

7. Themba’s reaction when a major revelation was made towards the end to me did not match expectation. It felt like he had always known.

8. Naomi only took Pinky’s phone from her hand. How then did she fall into the pool? I mean, from where I stand, she wasn’t pushed. Or is it just me?

CONCLUSION:
This was indeed a good watch! Sentimental at times, but overall, it’s entertaining, relatable, captivating, engaging, compelling, funny in some instances and emotional. Absolutely binge-worthy. However, this isn’t suitable for younger viewers as it contains vulgar languages, obsessive social media use and explicit scenes.

There were about two scenes or so that I had my remote control handy for where I had to quickly fastforward (for my mental health sake). That notwithstanding, I simply cannot wait for the next season as I’m now invested in the story and positive that this may not be the end. Kudos to all involved in the project.

VERDICT: 8/10

Have you seen this? What did you think?