No matter where you go, it seems every country and state has its own version of The Boogeyman. South Africa is no different. A collaboration between Reel Nightmare Films and LX Seth PTY LTD, Tokoloshe: An African Curse is hoping to introduce one of the country’s urban legends to the American audience. Written by Richard Green and Arish Sirkissoon, Tokoloshe: An African Curse finds a novelist and his budding family as they stay in a secluded hotel, hoping to inspire the writers next big hit book. However, they’re unaware that the premises is haunted by an ancient demon; one that eventually takes up residence inside the author. When he starts terrorizing his wife and daughter, it’s up to a local woman with supernatural powers to help the family defeat the Tokoloshe before it steals their souls. Directed by Richard Green, this film stars Shezi Sibongiseni, Arish Sirkissoon, Angela Balkovic, Lwandile Xaba, Rubendra Govender, Neerusha Oogorah, Sanjay Laljith, Roelof Twijnstra and Lloyd Grant O’Connor. Find it now on Amazon Prime USA.
Tokoloshe: An African Curse was produced by Richard Green and Arish Sirkissoon; and finds cinematography by Damien Tomaselli and editing by Sirkissoon. The first thing that really struck me about this movie was its use of close-up shots and vertical angles. The use of close-ups made me think every object was a clue in solving the supernatural-horror mystery, and the use of angles vividly reminded me of The Shining. Perhaps, to some respect, Tokoloshe: An African Curse is a foreign, more independent version of The Shining. Tokoloshe: An African Curse is also very atmospheric, where I could sense the tension and literally smell the flavors in every room. As a reviewer, any picture that can ring one of my senses is a movie worth watching. Although the horror elements missed their mark on several occasions, I will say that the aesthetics to this movie were vivid and rewarding. Can one survive without the other, especially in this genre? You’ll have to watch this movie on Amazon Prime USA to find out!
My only real complaint with this movie is that I was hoping for more culture. Tokoloshe: An African Curse is based in Africa, was shot in Africa and features many African talent. However, it’s almost like this release could have been filmed anywhere else in the world to the same effect. South Africa, especially, is a major hub in the world and filled with sights, cities, colors and culture. I genuinely wanted to see more of that depicted in the movie to give it an added flair. The cast would have had a lot more to work with, and it would have given them something to stand out with proudly. Still, Tokoloshe: An African Curse plays to a very specific audience, and it does it well. If you enjoy independent haunting/possession/supernatural movies with a little extra horror to it, than this movie is definitely for you. For everyone else, it’s a slow burning nightmare that just misses home plate when it needs to crank up the action, but it’s certainly worth your time considering it’s on Amazon Prime USA and not in stores yet.
Final Score: 6.5 out of 10.
