| Creator | Rethabile Ramapahkela, Katleho Ramaphakela |
| Cast | Sivenathi Mabuya, Marjorie Langa, John Morapama, Bohang Moeko, Sandile Mahlangu, S’dumo Mtshali, Thando Thabethe, Noxolo Dlamini, Nefisa Mkhabela, Mapaseka Koetle, Tina Jaxa,, Dumisani Mbebe, Thabo Malema |
| Episodes | 4 |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy, Romance |
| AKA | How to Ruin Love: The Proposal |
| Platform | Netflix |
– No Spoilers –
Zoleka and Kagiso’s three-year relationship comes to a screeching halt when she storms in on her surprise proposal and thoroughly destroys it. Heartbroken, Kagiso decides to take a break from her, resulting in Zoleka going into overdrive to win him over once more with the help of both of their families. Will she be able to win the love of her life over once more?
Romantic shows surrounding proposals gone wrong are always fun and entertaining to watch. The show’s protagonists, Zoleka and Kagiso, make it a warm and extremely funny watch and surprisingly, the supporting characters are also great, so much so that you are pulled into the light-hearted story from the first episode itself.
Now, it is important to understand that this is a comedy show which doesn’t take itself too seriously. Although there are some serious beats, it’s meant to be entertaining above all else. However, it’s the cracks that were already in their otherwise loving relationship that give it a serious twist and a chance for discussion about open communication. Taking a stand for oneself is also an important point of conversation in the series that it takes seriously.
Kagiso and Zoleka are well-written characters who are fully fleshed out with many layers. Apart from their relationship with each other, their relationship with those around them makes them warm yet flawed and realistic. Thus, you feel for the issues that they face and are constantly made to cheer for them as they come across difficult family members who only want to see them break up. The serious issues in their lives are given enough importance and the humour doesn’t take away from it.
Plus, I love Sivenathi Mabuya and Bohang Moeko’s chemistry with each other, they genuinely look like a happy couple who pine to stay with one another but have to iron out the wrinkles in their relationship first. Individually they are great as well and are really fun to watch on-screen. Even the supporting cast are exciting characters with relevant issues in their lives who are fleshed out enough to care about.
That being said, I think the conflicts in the series get a little frustrating after a while because Zoleka and Kagiso constantly get into the same problems over and over again and don’t learn from their mistakes. There are also some plot holes and questionable decisions that will make you lose respect for the characters a little after a while. At least we explore the past traumas of the characters and watch them talk through their issues instead of conveniently forgetting them to ride off into the sunset, so that’s great.
With only four episodes, How to Ruin Love: The Proposal gets its runtime right and keeps it moving with its humour and utter chaos. It does a good job of being a light show with some serious and emotional scenes peppered in and thus, in the end, wins by entertaining you thoroughly. The humour, thankfully, doesn’t feel like brain rot and it is surprisingly fresh and funny, making use of the characters and their situations instead of rehashing silly things over and over again.
How to Ruin Love Review: Final Thoughts
How to Ruin Love: The Proposal is fun and entertaining and although there are some moments that will get on your nerves, it’s the genuine performances that will stay with you. Plus, the movie makes an effort to solve its issues instead of brushing it under the rug, so that’s always great.
Also Read: A Part of You Review: Felicia Maxime Wins Hearts in Heartbreaking Movie