The Suit

The Suit is a 2016 South African short film, directed by Jarryd Coetsee which brilliantly brings to life Can Themba’s classic 1950s Sophiatown story to the silver screen. This highly engaging and poignant drama boasts a cast of talented actors, including Atandwa Kani, Phuthi Nakene, and the legendary John Kani.

Incorporating historical and timeless subjects woven into a captivating narrative, The Suit brings a level of depth rarely seen in short films and an ability to brilliantly extract universal themes within a culturally specific context.

The main protagonist, Philemon, played by the outstanding Atandwa Kani, is an everyday office worker stuck in the monotonic urban life of Sophiatown, Johannesburg in the 1950s. His ordinary existence is disrupted when he discovers that his wife, Matilda, portrayed breathlessly by Phuthi Nakene, is having an affair. This discovery sets them both on an emotional journey where love, trust, and forgiveness are tested in the most unusual of ways.

The thread running through the film is the eponymous “Suit” worn by Matilda’s lover. The suit becomes not just an object, but a symbol, with Philemon insisting that the suit be given a presence in their house like a silent, unwanted guest. This serves as a constant reminder to Matilda of her betrayal and triggers a series of events that underline the emotional struggle of the characters as they grapple with the realities of their broken relationship.

John Kani, a South African acting legend, gives a gripping performance as Mr. Maphikela, Philemon’s friend whose revelations set off the sequence of events. Maphikela’s role magnifies the complexities and dimensions of loyalty, betrayal, and manipulation.

The Suit is not just a simple portrait of a failing marriage; it also captures the verisimilitude of the time period, the brutal enforcement of the infamous Group Areas Act and its impact on the vibrant community of Sophiatown. The film vividly recreates the conviviality and flamboyance of this historically important enclave, along with the socio-political tensions of a traumatized society that history often forgets.

The narrative of the movie effectively brings out the frequently overlooked nuances of emotional abuse, making the audience grasp the psychological consequences of certain actions and the toxicity that arises from them. The storytelling in this film is superb, with a lot of emotional depth and complexity to the characters, which are handled expertly by the cast.

Director Jarryd Coetsee’s approach to this story is very deciduous. He captures the drama and tension between his characters, illustrates the depths of their emotional states, and brings to life this historically rich period of South Africa’s past. Coetsee’s narrative techniques, combined with the film's stunning cinematography, do an excellent job of bringing this compelling story to life.

Although a short film in format, there is nothing ‘short’ about content or impact. The cinematography is stunning, taking on a narrative role of its own. It encapsulates not just the personal drama, but the larger tableau of human existence in apartheid-era South Africa. The music and costume design add to the compelling authenticity and style of the film.

The Suit is a deep examination of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and the human capacity for cruelty. It tells a story that is timeless and universal, linking the personal and political in a way that is both achingly human and chillingly cruel. It is an important piece of cultural storytelling that holds a mirror up to past atrocities whilst highlighting the resilience and strength of human spirit.

In sum, The Suit is a work of heart-wrenching beauty, and a tour de force of performances from everyone involved, especially Atandwa Kani and Phuthi Nakene. Its portrayal of love and betrayal amid political turmoil is both compelling and thought-provoking, making it an absolute must-watch.