Sisters on a Slow Tour: Sweet, but Without a Kick
Review
Die Kwiksilwers is a lighthearted comedy for the whole family. Directed by Jordy Sank, who also co-wrote the script with Gabriella Blumberg and Marista van Eeden, the film was produced by Sank and Blumberg.
The story follows Elsabé Marais (brilliantly portrayed by veteran Lida Botha), a widow in her eighties, who embarks on a road trip through the Karoo with her three friends — Anna (just as brilliantly played by June van Merch), Mienkie (Susanne Beyers), and Katie (Theresa Sedras) — to witness a meteorite shower in Sutherland. (Incidentally, that’s still high on my own bucket list.) Along the way, they must cleverly evade Elsabé’s overprotective son, Wikus (Jacques Bessenger), who’s hot on their heels.
As the viewer follows the adventures of the four elderly women, the film explores themes such as loss, friendship, freedom, second chances, diverse personalities, the courage to let go of what you’ve clung to for too long, and the right to live life to the fullest — no matter your age.
It’s the first Afrikaans film of its kind that I know of, except for Susters, Corné van Rooyen’s 2018 film about three young adult women on a similar journey. Still, this older ensemble in Die Kwiksilwers is strongly reminiscent of many hilarious American films like 80 for Brady, Book Club, and Book Club: The Next Chapter, which featured some of the world’s most famous actresses — including Jane Fonda — and were absolutely hysterical.
The music by Edward George King, cinematography by Gavin Pincus, and editing by Esther Badenhorst are excellent. The story is uniquely Afrikaans, and credit is due to Marista van Eeden, who masterfully captured and reflected the humor and subtle nuances in the script — it simply wouldn’t have worked this well in English. Some words in the film I haven’t heard in years — or ever.
Two highlights include the 1975 Ford Granada (what a beautiful car!) and the vast Karoo landscape, both of which play key roles and are almost characters in their own right. The car serves as an emotional reminder of Elsabé’s late husband and their past adventures, while the expansive Karoo mirrors the characters’ emotional journey and provides a fitting conclusion to the film, where a certain sense of “freedom” finally takes center stage.
The story certainly has its moments, though at times the comedy felt a bit forced or absurd. And maybe — just maybe — I expected a storyline with a bit more substance. Two lines that stood out to me were: “Know your strength, sister,” and “That’s a wrinkle – comes with age.” Interpret that as you will, but at the end of the day, this is a so-called “feel-good film” that will definitely find an audience.
Production Information
Running Time
90 min
Writer and Director
Jordy Sank, Gabriella Blumberg en Marista van Eeden | Jordy Sank
Website
Screens
∞
Age Restriction
10 – 12 PG
Cast
Lida Botha, June van Merch, Susanne Beyers, Theresa Sedras en Jacques Bessenger
Rating
2.5/5
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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