Bride of the Year – When the bride loses the competition, but wins her heart

Lienkie catches Zander frolicking in bed with Johannika (Lisa Tredoux), a much younger woman. Lienkie’s dream is shattered. Zander and Johannika, however, are brazenly ready to begin a new chapter. Zander’s mother, Norma (Hanli Rolfes), who was the runner-up in the 1989 “Bride of the Year” competition, encourages them in their wrongdoing. Norma feels that her son’s new, “younger” love stands a far better chance of claiming the 2026 “Bride of the Year” title than the thirty-nine-year-old, “past her prime” Lienkie. A further twist arrives when the slippery Frank (Bouwer Bosch) crosses Lienkie’s path. She then realises that life sometimes employs a trick or two to make the scales fall from your eyes.

Bride of the Year is light escapist entertainment, released just in time to be enjoyed on a cold winter’s evening. The storyline is as familiar as the wedding march, and most of the characters, though stereotypical, are perfectly cast for their roles in this comedy. Gillian Breslin’s screenplay is based on Joshua and Carine Rous’s original concept. There are also enjoyable moments where familiar faces such as Tobie Cronjé and Woutrine Theron make their appearances. Bosch is at ease as Lienkie’s “fake groom” Frank, and although some of the dialogue occasionally feels clunky, there are many lines and dance sequences that will stay with audiences. Rolfes as the mother-in-law villain also acquits herself well.

Lienkie’s home industry business, “Lekkerbekkies,” stands out in terms of production design, with bright colours and lighting that suit the genre. Fashion enthusiasts will also appreciate the costumes.

There are, however, a few elements in Bride of the Year that niggle. The music, while appropriate for the theme and audience, is used excessively — after a while the film feels as though it has descended into one long montage, which slightly dulls the focus of the story. Occasionally, genuinely funny dialogue is undermined by unnecessary jingles or punchline sound effects. The chemistry between Carine’s Lienkie and Bouwer’s Frank is also not entirely convincing, particularly in the moments when the two realise they are meant for each other.

Despite these shortcomings, Bride of the Year is enjoyable entertainment with a predictable yet pleasing twist. At a time when the entertainment industry is navigating an unpredictable and difficult period, it is encouraging to watch the handiwork of filmmakers like Rous and his team, and to know that there is still fun and delight left to savour.

Forget about the war in Iran and Artificial Intelligence sending everyone into a frenzy — go and watch Bride of the Year!