‘Chaguo’ Netflix Movie Review – Love, Politics and African Realities
Welcome to a world where love and politics collide and every decision has life-changing consequences. A contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Chaguo takes us to an African nation where two young lovers must navigate the chaos of ancient tribal feuds and political ambitions. Directed by Ravi Karmalker and Vincent Mbaya, Chaguo is a cinematic feat that will leave you breathless.
The story revolves around Wendo (Nyokabi Macharia), an apolitical PR executive who works for a young activist named Matthew Kowa, and Mugeni (Nick Kwach), who comes from a wealthy family with a ruthless political heritage. The two attempt to distance themselves from their families’ politics, but soon find themselves drawn into a ruthless power game due to the ongoing electoral campaign between their historically feuding tribes. Their relationship faces immense hurdles as they go through the difficult process of enforcing democratic elections in a country that has long lost faith in reason and justice in politics.
One of the strongest aspects of Chaguo is an exploration of the importance of making the right choices in life and how they can affect one’s future. The film successfully uses its romantic plot to emphasize the need for political participation and the importance of democracy in society. It is a timely reminder of the struggles that plague many African nations and the resilience of those who seek change in the face of adversity.
The acting in Chaguo saved everything that could have been missing. The film features a talented cast, especially Macharia, whose performance is truly captivating. Her chemistry with Kwach is palpable and keeps the audience engaged throughout the film. Furthermore, Abel Amunga’s portrayal of the villainous Njama Magero is outstanding as he manages to manipulate the audience’s emotions and overcome the obvious traps that could have made his character seem like a parody.
The film’s portrayal of African culture and traditions is another strength, and it’s clear that the filmmakers have taken great care to portray these elements in an authentic and respectful manner. Kenyan cinematography keeps reaching new heights and Andrew Mungai’s photographic direction is stunning, with stunning lighting and imagery that really elevates the film.
However, the film falls short in some places. While the film avoids the cliché of portraying one tribe as the villain and the other as the hero, it fails to fully explore the cognitive dissonance of tribalism and its impact on society’s morals and values. Also, the sound design gets boring at times and makes the dialogue difficult to follow, which can spoil the overall viewing experience.
Netflix has achieved great success with Chaguo, which will delight audiences around the world. The film’s exploration of complex themes of power, corruption and justice is masterfully executed and leaves a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits have rolled. Despite some minor flaws, this film deserves to be celebrated and recognized for its contributions to African cinema and the film industry at large.
bottom line [7/10]
Reviewed by – Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on twitter
Editor at Midgard Times
