Night Drive is arguably one of the most publicized and controversial films in South Africa's history. Never before have local critics been so divided about one of this country's feature films. Most liberal critics were offended by its portrayal of the so-called 'Dark Continent', whilst others relished the country's first all-or-nothing thriller/horror flick.
The film is what is. I don't think it had any aspirations to be the country's next Oscar hopeful. It certainly doesn't give the proverbial intellectual hand-job. But if you're looking for 'bloody' good Saturday night entertainment, Night Drive delivers.
My biggest problem with Night Drive is the distinct lack of hot chicks with big boobs in wet t-shirts. Isn't there always at least one in a film like this? Or maybe this was their idea of a departure from the formula, but still...
There was something about Night Drive that did strike a chord with me though. While I've been living in the relative safety of my white middle-class suburban existence, people are being murdered daily for witchcraft purposes in SA. The victims are usually from impoverished communities where superstition is rife. Night Drive turned the tables on this one and put me in their shoes. This is a case where the truth is in fact more horrifying than fiction.
