Eksie Perfeksie – “A silly comedy that will make you cringe”
Review
Eksie Perfeksie is a romantic comedy in which André (Pietie Beyers) moves in with Dalene (Emma van Heyn), only to discover that she’s still friends with all of her ex-boyfriends. The film was written and directed by Corné Koegelenberg (with concept credit to Bibi Slippers) and produced by Swartberg Storiehandelaars and Black Gosling.
The story revolves around Dalene’s pattern and André’s attempt to make sense of it, with the central theme and question being whether one can stay friends with their exes. There are plenty of comedic moments where André meets Dalene’s exes—each with their own quirks and consequences. Well-known faces like Bobby van Jaarsveld and Sean van Noordwyk appear as some of her former flames. But is the problem necessarily just with Dalene? I think the film could just as well have been called Eks’ie Perfeknie (“I’m Not Perfect Either”), as we should probably look at the plank in our own eye first.
Both lead actors were believable and, as the director intended, come across as very normal people with everyday problems. I’m just not so sure about Bobby and Sean’s characters—those “pecs” are far from normal for the average guy.
The soundtrack, mostly by Van Heyn, is well suited to the scenes, while certain editing sequences are cleverly done. And if you thought Lesotho was just a country—think again. Ever heard of a “safe word”? It reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey! I also picked up quite a few new pet names.
With plenty of bathroom sex scenes, I’ll be sure to bring my own hand sanitizer next time I visit a restaurant’s restroom (and maybe even wear a hazmat suit). And ladies, if you thought you were an 8, think again… you might be a 7 or even a 3. And no, not out of 10. Turns out there are 8 types of women. Which one are you?
According to Koegelenberg, the aim was to “really make a ridiculous comedy” and to “try to strike a balance between a good, classic love story and a silly comedy that makes you cringe,” and with plenty of below-the-belt jokes and no shortage of swearing (mainly between André’s sister and her girlfriend), they’ve nailed it. Music tracks like Dis kak, maarit naai (roughly: “It sucks, but it bangs”), supposedly a hit by Van Pletzen, also give a good indication of what to expect.
Eksie Perfeksie is great Friday night entertainment, as a friend described it—just note that it does carry a 16 age restriction for sex and language—but considering everything mentioned above, that won’t come as a shock.
So? Can you stay friends with your exes? Watch the film and decide for yourself.
Production Information
Age Restriction
16
Cast
Pietie Beyers, Emma van Heyn, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Sean van Noordwyk, Maude Sandham en Cindy Swanepoel
Rating
3.5/5
Box Office
See NFVF
Written by Roelof Bezuidenhout
Roelof Bezuidenhout is currently the Video Production Manager and Story Editor at the EDUNAKHO Group, a global educational media company supporting prospective MBA and master’s students. He previously headed the Higher Certificate course in Film, Television, and Entertainment at AFDA in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where he also earned his MFA, and held academic roles at both AFDA and Boston Media House.
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