'Bad Influencer' is bold, beautiful and messy - just like the world it mirrors

Some shows are critic-proof. And “Bad Influencer” exemplifies this. The rave reviews, with radio personality Anele Mdoda giving it her stamp of approval, say it all. 

Now I don’t want to be a damp squib with my write-up, not that I'm trying to be either, but I wouldn’t call it a flawless offering. The seven-part series has an excellent cast and a relatable narrative. 

But let me not beat around the bush here. It's an engaging and, at times, frustrating watch. Allow me to qualify my statement.

In this social-media era of influencers, where likes equal clout, the soft life has become an aspirational goal.

This series, produced by Gambit Films and developed by Lincoln Green Media, cleverly taps into this content creator world and all it entails with blessers, fake friends and wannabes, while juxtaposing it with the hustle of a single mother. 

BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke) is a street-smart single mother of an autistic young boy, Leo (Mpilo Shabalala). In an attempt to make 200k so that she can send him to a school where his interests will be harnessed and he won’t be bullied, she comes up with a dangerous plan: selling fake designer bags. 

Her meticulous attention to detail is her signature mark. However, she lacks a platform that will give her access to her target market.

This is where mid-level influencer Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu) comes into the picture. However, the partnership is rocky from the get-go. 

Meanwhile, BK, who borrows money from Bheki (Modise Motaung), a small-time gangster, loses her consignment in a deal where she is outed by Naomi (Zozibini Tunzi), a queen-bee influencer. 

At the same time, Pinky finds her soft life upended when she calls out her sugar daddy, Mandla (Aubrey Poo), for buying her a fake bag. In retaliation, he cuts her off financially and kicks her out of the apartment he rents for her. 

With BK and Pinky in the same financial straits, they put their plan into effect.

However, just as things start looking up, Naomi puts the kibosh on their plans. In a live stream that goes viral, she annihilates Pinky.

Running parallel to this storyline is BK’s relationship with Themba (Thapelo Mokoena), who is Leo’s science teacher as well as a special crimes unit police officer.

She realises she is walking a dangerous path, but circumstances force her deeper into the counterfeit world, which is run by ruthless criminal masterminds: Bra Alex (Vincent Mahlape) and Jobs ‘Flames’ Jiyane (Hamilton Dlamini).

BK's fearless determination, confidence and bravery starkly contrast Pinky's fickle and easily rattled nature.

Despite their chalk and cheese personalities, they form an unlikely bond along the way. 

What I love about the show?

Firstly, I cannot sing the praises enough of Reyneke. She truly proves her acting chops in this role, where the viewer can’t help but root for her. 

She fully embodies contrasting roles, whether portraying a weary mother struggling for a better life or an enigmatic, influential glamourpuss.

Mahlangu matches her solid performance by summoning the lingo, insights and vanity of a content creator. 

Tunzi, for the few scenes that we see her in, is marvellously catty and entitled. She appeared to have fun with the role. 

The writers mirror the world of influencers, from the cliques formed,  the goodie-bag brigade, to the “I’ve arrived” crowd-pleasers.

It’s all about speaking the right language, mingling in the right circles and flaunting clout like it was a newly-arrived Birkin. 

The series is shot beautifully, tapping into the polarised worlds of the rich and famous and Joburg’s seedy underworld.

What I hated about the show?

I found the story arcs became somewhat repetitive, with the narrative consistently revolving around BK acquiring and subsequently losing money.

Why the vacillating dynamic between the two lead characters? One moment, they are bonding like family, and the next, they are fighting. Some of the scenes were juvenile, especially the ones where Pinky and Naomi threw hands at each other. 

Balance and fluidity were inconsistent at times. 

Verdict

It’s a fantastic local series with sublime casting. Reyneke, in particular, shines as the star, delivering an emotional range that is truly award-worthy.

It's wonderful to see Emmanuel Castis, Nat Ramabulana, Julia Anastasopoulos, Brendon Daniels, Relebogile Mabotja, Masasa Mbangeni, Zikhona Sodlaka, and Tina Jaxa on screen. They are joined by Mihlali Ndamase, Sarah Langa, and Mohale Motaung, who amplify the influencer presence.

Rating: *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.