South African mythology has barely been tapped into, and so, for this latest Netflix supernatural venture, Akin Omotoso introduces us to it via the marvellous series The Brave Ones. The six-episode long series premiered on September 16, 2022, and stars Sthandile Nkosi, Tony Kgoroge, Nomalanga Nkosi, Bonko Khoza, and more in the amalgamation of several genres in the mix.
Focussing on the struggling youth Ntsiki and the mother in despair Ayanda, The Brave Ones lets us in on the lives of the two women who live in stark contrasting conditions and situations. Despite the disjoint nature of their lives, there’s a lot that they share in common, and all of that relates to the supernatural lives of the ancient deities known as the Wise Ones and the titular beings.
The official Netflix synopsis of the show reads:
Mystery, romance, corruption and magic all intertwine in this captivating supernatural fiction series inspired by African mythology.
-The Brave Ones Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
When a project has well-rounded extramundane characters, the writer has to shape the narrative around their existence, which often enriches the content quality. However, at times, when the story is mightier than the characters present therein, it can overpower their presence regardless of the power they may wield.
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The Brave Ones is a victim of this very design. The overall concept of the show is extremely ambitious. Initiating the conversation around South African lore, when Greek and Norse mythologies have already positioned themself as grand-scale ideas, is a great step in the right direction. However, Omotoso’s latest work is not able to birth the daunting heroes in question.
The series could’ve easily slipped into the darker territory to make it that more relishable but it takes very slow steps to get there. And before we know it, the mini-series of six episodes is already over.
However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything positive to offer. Even though the series is predominantly supernatural in its theme, it’s grounded in the reality of socio-economic hierarchy. We witness a lot of corruption underneath the project undertaken by Luthando (Tony Kgoroge), and several subplots are linked together as a result of that.
The supernatural theme, in a way, becomes a metaphorical approach to a very real annihilation of a community and their land. The image of their land being destroyed is associated with the supernatural entity of the “tree of life” and so is their displacement. Moreover, since distressed modernity is used as a medium to harken to ancient myths and legends, one can never know what to expect, just like the people living in the said land of Ilanga don’t.
The ones being downtrodden upon need a new-age hero who is well in touch with their roots. Just like that, Ntsiki’s Brave One is born. Some may even liken her to Stanger Things‘ Eleven but she is more of a goddess than an experiment. Nevertheless, her majestic avatar doesn’t really come through, so her character arc doesn’t feel as potent and compelling.
It’s rather the moments relating to family drama that drives the show. Sometimes, the tiniest and simplest gesture is enough to create ripples, and that’s when Ayanda’s familial dilemma plays into its emotional quotient to some extent as opposed to the grand narrative of a goddess being in the story. And so, the humane factors play a huge role in running the show instead.
The Brave Ones: Worth the Watch?
As you’re watching the series, you may feel like a lot is happening throughout the six episodes of the season but moments after completing it, you’re quite lost in terms of the pantheon of characters introduced. The pacing of certain episodes is quite jarring and it’s not as if the non-linearity of the narrative perplexes us either. A lot of the mythological lore needs to be opened up for us to understand the foundation of each character.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen till the end. While watching the episodes, you’re definitely entangled with what may unfold. The concept is brilliant but it can never be actualized to its absolute potential till the characters are well established. Whatever familial moments are there in the series, they all play well into the story building. However, it doesn’t quite deliver in terms of character building.
Much-awaited moments like Ntsiki finally accepting herself as the eponymous Brave One are not able to stick the landing. Pivotal moments like these don’t necessarily make you feel for the character. The ultimate goal of any show or movie is that the audience should be rooting for the main character. While we do understand the tragic origin story that pushes her to embrace her true identity, we’re not able to sense its poignancy and are left wanting more.
For a character who is supposed to be a reincarnated goddess, Ntsiki fails to reach her potential. On the other hand, the costume choices for the indigenous group of people are immaculate, but other aspects like the action sequences and the introduction of the lore and thereafter, the magnitude of The Brave Ones‘ powers could’ve been portrayed in a more effective manner. When shows like such are concerned, the audience calls for moments that would push them to the edge and send chills down their back. Perhaps, if the show is renewed for a second season, we can witness the body of work in its true enormity that matches its astounding subject matter.
The Brave Ones is now streaming on Netflix.
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I love it and I want more .the ending said there more to come so is there more to come. All the actors were great in it. I am commenting from england we all watched it whole family and we want more .it’s not every day we actually sit our ass down to watch African movies or series, this really intrigues us all. It has done just that for us that we watch all at once. We start watching at Saturday morning to next morning sunday morning 4am to bed. So yes it’s was that good for us English people ok.
This shows was amazing in capturing the light of African mythology, and the show has me on the edge of my seat. I’m looking forward for a season 2 with hopefully more than 6 episodes, there’s a lot I feel that needs to be said and I’m here for it. I hope to find more shows that show’s African culture in this aspect.