Stroomop (2018)

Director: Ivan Botha

Starring: DonnaLee Roberts, Ilse Klink, Simone Pretorius, Chanel de Jager

A support group travels to the Orange River. A doctor, 2 moms, a daughter and a suicidal woman leave for their “veldskool” trip. Many trials, tribulations and truths are revealed as they go on this epic adventure.

I’m so happy to see South Africa abandoned their obligatory political element in movies and reverted to good storytelling instead – as before.

DonnaLee Roberts has proven herself a versatile actress within a very short space of time. She also wrote ‘Stroomop’ (meaning ‘Upstream’). ‘Stroomop’ is an emotionally charged adventure drama containing so many elements we can relate to. The nature scenery makes for stunning cinematography, and the film has an unusual serene and beautiful score.

Five women seeing a psychiatrist are advised to go on a trip to clear their minds, and be in touch with their inner selves – and to forget about reality for a moment. Each character is fighting her own inner demons, and the reasons for their breakdown are shown through back flashes. With fate having intervened in their once happy lives, we root for each character.

A Guide, Guy (Armand Aucamp) accompanies them on the trip, but the adventure soon turns to nightmare. With obstacles along the way, every moment becomes a quest for survival. In the process they learn more about each other, and themselves.

Although the film is mostly a bit depressing, it is also uplifting and inspirational, and an effective illustration of courage. This certainly is one of the better offerings from South Africa lately.

‘Stroomop’ received several award nominations, winning Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actress, Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling, and Best Feature Film.

In Afrikaans.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.