By: Thapelo Ramorobi
Finding a good comedy film doesn’t come easy, especially when looking for homegrown comedy. The new Showmax’s Khaki Fever shakes things up and promises a good laugh.
The award-winning Khaki Fever not only took the Silwerskerm award, but it also took the number one spot in the Showmax top ten list while diving deep into themes of friendship and moral dilemmas with a touch of comedy.
Khaki Fever, set in the backdrop of the South African safari, shadows a group of private park rangers as they navigate life in the wild. The film’s turning point is when Daniel (Christopher Jaftha) influences the others to hold a sex competition.
Daniel, being the only one whose stakes are higher than everyone else’s, stops at nothing to make sure he wins the competition. When introducing the characters’ driving force, the creators, Nick Athlers and Brett Michael Innes, build towards a more emotional factor.
Because of the comedic nature of the film, we somehow forgot the protagonist’s story, but at the end it became even more fulfilling for the character and the audience.
Though the plot and mise-en-scène play a huge role in keeping the narrative alive and cracking our ribs in comedy, Khaki Fever sets out to be an auteur film, with Brett Michael Innes making his mark as the director.
Additionally, the location and costume gave the film a feel of the open safari while being complemented by the natural lighting for most of the film.
It is safe to say the film really deserves an award, and I sure would recommend it, especially if you want a good laugh without the kids around.
With Silwerskerm recognition and streaming popularity, Khaki Fever has already established itself as a notable comedy picture in South Africa. It does more than just make people laugh; it proves that South African comedy can stand tall on both substance and flair. It’s a comedy that will endure and is deserving of the recognition it is receiving.
