Immersing yourself in the world of jazz can sometimes be unsettling for the uninitiated. Personally, my first experience with this musical genre left me perplexed, finding its rhythm slow and melancholy. It was a far cry from the catchy sounds of house and kwaito that lulled my young ears at the time. But, over time and through live concerts, I finally learned to appreciate the sensitivity, creativity and strength contained in jazz.
When I discovered the action-drama film “Inkabi” during its world premiere on Netflix on March 13, I was immediately struck by its vibe oscillating between fluid storytelling and an avant-garde aspect in its filmmaking. This feature-length film immerses viewers in a dark world of murder contracts, casinos and violence, all set against a backdrop of Johannesburg cityscapes and rural settings.
In an interview, director, screenwriter and co-producer Norman Maake confided his fascination with the world of hitmen, a fascination which naturally pushed him to set the plot of the film in this universe. Accompanied by co-producer Zinzi Mhlongo, Maake spent many hours refining every detail of this ambitious film project.
“Inkabi” tells the story of Frank, a retired hitman played by Tshamano Sebe, who decides to start his life over by becoming a private taxi driver. His meeting with Lucy, a young Kenyan woman working in a dubious casino in the city center, will turn his life upside down. When she finds herself witnessing the murder of one of her wealthy clients and now finding herself hunted by the killer, Lucy has no choice but to turn to Frank to protect her.
Beyond the classic themes of justice and redemption, “Inkabi” succeeds in captivating viewers by exploring the humanity behind the dark character of the hitman. Maake’s decision not to confine this main role to a single ethnicity underlines his desire to break stereotypes and offer a more nuanced vision of this iconic figure.
Despite the budget constraints and the challenges encountered during production, the film “Inkabi” managed to climb among the ten best productions on the streaming platform upon its release. This success demonstrates the talent and determination of South African creators to produce quality works, even in a difficult post-Covid context.
“Inkabi” thus offers a fascinating dive into a dark and complex world, where notions of violence, friendship and redemption mingle in a captivating cinematic ballet. An adventure that is both brutal and poetic, which resonates like a captivating symphony in the world of contemporary South African cinema.