Relatable and refreshing
BABY MAMAS
DIRECTOR: Stephina Zwane
CAST: Salamina Mosese, Thembisa Mdoda, Dineo Ranaka and Kay Smith.
AGE RESTRICTION: 16 LS
RUNNING TIME: 120 minutes
RATING: ★★★✩✩ WHEN I first heard the film’s title, I wondered if we’d be bombarded again with annoying stereotypes about women who’d had children out of wedlock and who’d been named, not so affectionately I might add, baby mamas. I was relieved to find the film sought to present women in a more positive light.
It follows four female friends, Toli (Salamina Mosese), Sandy (Thembisa Mdoda), Joy (Dineo Ranaka) and Chantel (Kay Smith), who are in various stages of their baby mama dramas.
Chantel’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that she’s pregnant, especially because her boyfriend is not ready to be a father. Sandy, who is in love with the father of her child, has to deal with him moving on.
Joy is in a volatile, on-again-offagain relationship, filled with violent outbursts and constant allegations of infidelity.
Toli is learning first-hand that the most difficult part for a single mother who is dating is deciding on how much she’s willing to risk her child’s heart on the path to love. It was thrilling to see Dineo Ranaka dazzle in her role as Joy.
I enjoyed watching her and could relate to her struggles even though I’ve never gone through them.
The stellar supporting cast that includes Pamela Nomvete, Esmeralda Bihl, Anthony Wilson, Jet Novuka, SK Khoza, Donovan Pieterse, Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Khaya Mthembu brought the story to life.
It was a pleasure watching how each of them coloured the lives of the baby mamas. I was impressed by the choice of clothes for each actor – every look suited the character. A cast’s wardrobe is something I have been uncomfortable with when it comes to local films.
Some of the scenes went on for too long and there were moments when I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the four leads but, overall, an okay film that’s worth a watch.