From viral oops to cinematic triumph: 'My F*k, Marelize' delivers a family drama with heart and humour

“My F*k, Marelize” went from being a 20-second viral video to a feature-length movie. This is certainly an unprecedented move. 

However, after watching the clip, Brett Michael Innes, who directed "Sink," "Fiela se Kind," "Catch Me A Killer," and "Unseen 2," found his curiosity piqued. And so he reached out to Marelize Horn, and after they spoke, that’s when he realised he had a gem of a story on his hands. 

Let’s say it was a heartfelt prelude to the video itself.

Initially announced at the 12th Silwerskerm Film Festival a year ago, the project premiered as this year's opening night movie.

The excitement surrounding the film was infectious, from the blue carpet moments to the screening at The Rotunda at The Bay Hotel. Those expecting a typical comedy about an accident-prone teenager will be pleasantly surprised, as this goes far beyond that.

The story is set against the backdrop of WIKA, which is the annual Windhoek Carnival. 

At the heart of it is Heidi (Je-ani Swiegelaar), the matriarch of the Horn family. A strong-willed woman, she loves her family and, like every mom, she wants the best for her children.

The movie opens with her receiving treatment at the hospital, then rushing to pick up Marelize (Zandelle Meyer), who, true to form, takes a tumble as she heads to the car, and then proceeds to complain bitterly about a difficult paper. 

On the way home, Heidi pulls over to throw up, which worries Marelize. 

When they arrive, they find Marelize’s older sister, Wilmari (Nichola Viviers), has arrived early for the festivities. 

Tiaan (Neels Clasen) dotes on his wife as much as he does his girls. 

The initial frames of the film paint a solid picture of a close-knit family. They may disagree and take sides, but they love each other unconditionally.

Amid the heart-warming moments, though, there is a quiet struggle as Heidi is nearing the end of her chemotherapy. While her husband supports her, he is uneasy about her decision to keep the news from their daughters. 

Although he respects Heidi’s wishes not to disrupt their lives with the news, Marelize happens upon a medical form and realises the truth. 

Meanwhile, Marelize’s plan to take a gap year as an au pair in Amsterdam, spurred on by Wilmari, isn’t well-received by Heidi. 

But she reluctantly agrees to it and to teach Marelize how to ride a bike, which is a job requirement. 

Unable to keep the news to herself, Marelize confides in Wilmari, who suggests they stage an intervention. As much as their dad supports them, Heidi doesn’t take the conversation well, as she is still processing the situation herself.

Innes, who is also a respected producer, has done a sublime job with the script. He has penned such an achingly beautiful story that, in watching the film, you almost feel adopted by the Horn family. 

Their quirkiness, love and devotion provide many benchmark moments in the movie. One of my favourite scenes is where Heidi, suppressing her fears of what comes next, and Tiaan look at a family album, and she chuckles about Marelize having two left feet and her head in the clouds. 

That moment is brimming with both love and poignancy.

The casting in this film is everything. I cannot sing the praises of Swiegelaar enough. She masterfully juggles so many polarised emotions. 

At her core, she's a vulnerable woman who fears losing everything. She's also a no-nonsense mom, a devoted wife who counts her blessings, and a firecracker who doesn't suffer fools.

Clasen complements her beautifully, exuding a gentle and protective disposition as the family patriarch. He acts as a buffer between his wife and the girls while also being their rock. It truly is beautiful to watch. 

The chemistry between Meyer and Viviers is unmistakable. They effortlessly slip into sibling and besties mode. 

With the story set in Windhoek, Namibia, it includes the charm of the place as well as the small-town humour.

Last but not least, Zandré Coetzer, who makes her directorial debut with this film, can be proud of her masterful touch. 

She has delivered a truly phenomenal story that tugs at the heart while celebrating the love of family. She deserves praise for her sensitivity and care in narrating Heidi's story through her actions and family.

“My F*k, Marelize”, which releases on the big screen on Friday, August 29, catches you off guard with its twist and knocks you over with its hilarious ending. 

Rating: **** a standout film with exceptional qualities.