Watch The Suit

The Suit is a poignant and moving South African film that explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and love. Directed by Jarryd Coetsee, the film is based on a short story by acclaimed writer Can Themba and stars Atandwa Kani, Phuthi Nakene, and John Kani. Set in the 1950s apartheid era, the film follows the story of Philemon (Atandwa Kani), a hard-working and ambitious black man who works as a clerk for a white lawyer. His life takes a tragic turn when he discovers his wife Matilda (Phuthi Nakene) has been having an affair with another man. In a fit of rage and hurt, Philemon forces his wife to carry around her lover's suit as a constant reminder of her infidelity.

The narrative then shifts to the consequences of this cruel punishment, as Matilda is ostracized from her community and struggles to cope with the guilt and shame that comes with the judgment. Meanwhile, Philemon is consumed with a bitter desire for revenge and feels increasingly isolated and alone, leading to tragic consequences for all involved.

The Suit is a beautifully crafted work of art that showcases an extraordinary ensemble cast delivering outstanding performances. Atandwa Kani is particularly noteworthy, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man consumed by rage and heartbreak. His journey from a successful and content professional to a desperate and bitter one is captivating and devastating in equal measure.

Phuthi Nakene is equally impressive, imbuing Matilda with a quiet strength and dignity that is both admirable and heart-breaking. Her journey from a happily married woman to a pariah is deeply affecting, and the sense of isolation and despair she feels is palpable.

John Kani, a renowned veteran actor, rounds out the cast playing the role of the narrator. His storytelling and evocative imagery provide an additional layer of meaning to the film and elevate it to a transcendent level.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about The Suit is how it manages to tell such a deeply personal and human story against such a larger backdrop of social and political issues. It shows us how the pain and hurt we inflict on each other in our personal relationships can have far-reaching consequences and ripple effects that are felt throughout our communities.

The film is also a study in forgiveness, as both Philemon and Matilda must learn to let go of their love, hurt, and anger in order to find peace and redemption. This message of compassion and forgiveness is particularly poignant in the context of South Africa's history of apartheid and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Overall, The Suit is a powerful and haunting film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It's a testament to the human spirit and the capacity for love and redemption even in the face of the most profound betrayal and pain.

The Suit is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.