Film Critic: Stephen ‘Spling’ Aspeling
Felix is a feel-good comedy-drama that you will cherish for its exuberant, sweet-natured tone. Arriving in the wake of Spud, this delightful underdog tale has aptly been dubbed “Billy Elliot with Cape Jazz.” It is wholeheartedly entertaining and difficult not to like, anchored by a charming ensemble, an inspiring story about a boy with a dream, and a soundtrack of lively local jazz.
When young Felix Xaba earns a scholarship to an elite private school in Cape Town, his dream of becoming a saxophonist like his late father drives him to audition for the school jazz concert. With the help of two aging members from his father’s old band, Felix rehearses in secret, directly defying his mother’s wishes.
The title character is played by Hlayani Junior Mabasa, who was selected from more than 500 auditions across South Africa. Mabasa possesses an innocent, willful spirit that translates beautifully into the open and tenacious character of Felix. While small in stature, Felix’s determination to rise above his circumstances makes this fish-out-of-water musical comedy-drama both admirable and endearing.
He is supported by a talented cast, including Oscar nominee Dame Janet Suzman as Mrs. Cartwright, Linda Sokhulu as Lindiwe, Andre Jacobs as Mr. Murray and Nicholas Ellenbogen as Mr. Soames. Felix marks the first South African feature film for both Johannesburg-born Suzman and SAFTA-winning actress Sokhulu, both of whom deliver heartfelt performances that lend genuine weight to the film’s emotional undercurrents.
Director Roberta Durrant ensures that every performance carries the same jubilant energy. The cast’s chemistry gives the production the warmth of a family affair, creating a natural synergy that ties the narrative together. This liveliness is elevated by a standout soundtrack produced by musical director Murray Anderson, who collaborated closely with acclaimed local jazz luminaries Mark Fransman, Bokani Dyer and Lwanda Gogwana.
Shirley Johnston’s sharp, award-winning script is the first that Durrant – a SAFTA Lifetime Achievement recipient – has chosen to direct after establishing herself as an accomplished creative producer. While centered on a young boy, Felix is notable as one of the most female-led productions in South African cinema, driven by a predominantly female department head lineup across directing, writing, editing, cinematography, line producing, art direction, wardrobe, and makeup.
The film’s gentle idealism is refreshing from start to finish. There is a touch of Madam & Eve in the production, thanks to vibrant, well-rounded characters who feel spirited enough to step right out of a comic strip. At times, the relentless optimism can lean into “Rainbow Nation” surrealism, even as the script attempts to temper the cheer with threads of alcoholism, the threat of bullying and persistent economic divides.
It is no secret that Felix is an unabashed crowd-pleaser, leveraging classic formula to great effect with pure reach-for-your-dreams determination. While its emotional core will connect with any audience, it will ring especially true for South Africans attuned to its social and economic nuances. Navigating the space between the haves and have-nots, Felix uses comedy and music to bridge divides, delivering an infectious, hopeful message.
Though wide-eyed and conventional in structure, Felix radiates more than enough genuine heart to outshine its formulaic beats. Between its buoyant rhythm, warm disposition, rich music and witty script, this underdog story is nearly impossible to resist. It starts off gently, but once it gathers momentum, it completely draws you in.
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