Fulu Mugovhani
Dineo
Overview
While her free-living bestie urges her to embrace singlehood, a commitment-craving social media expert can't stop following the life of a former love.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readSeriously Single: A Rom-Com That’s More About the Ride Than the Destination
I’ll admit it: I went into Seriously Single expecting a lightweight, formulaic rom-com. And in many ways, that’s exactly what it is. But somewhere between the predictable meet-cutes and the over-the-top dating mishaps, the film managed to surprise me—not with its plot, but with its heart.
This isn’t a movie about finding love; it’s about finding yourself, and realizing that the people who matter most might already be by your side.
The Ramaphakela siblings, making their directorial debut, set out to subvert the rom-com genre—or at least that’s how they’ve framed it. In interviews, they’ve called Seriously Single an "anti-romcom," one that prioritizes female friendship over romantic resolution. And to some extent, that’s true.
The bond between Dineo (Fulu Mugovhani) and Noni (Tumi Morake) is the emotional core of the film, and their chemistry is undeniable. But the film’s commitment to that idea wavers, especially in its second half, when the romantic subplots start to overshadow the friendship at its center.
Let’s talk about that friendship for a moment, because it’s the film’s strongest asset. Dineo is a social media manager who’s desperate to settle down, while Noni is a free spirit who’s perfectly content being single. Their dynamic is familiar—think Bridesmaids or Girls Trip—but the film gives it a distinctly South African flavor.
The dialogue is sharp and often hilarious, especially when Noni is schooling Dineo on the perils of modern dating. There’s a scene early in the film where Noni drags Dineo to a nightclub, determined to show her that life doesn’t end when you’re single. The camera lingers on their faces as they dance, the neon lights reflecting off their skin, and for a moment, you forget that this is a rom-com at all.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.9/10
"A lighthearted rom-com with charm and relatable themes, but struggles with predictability and uneven pacing."
Viewers appreciate the fresh energy and humor brought by the South African setting and the lead performances, particularly Fulu Mugovhani and Tumi Morake, who add authenticity and wit. latestnetflix.com's take is that however, the story’s reliance on familiar rom-com tropes and a lack of depth in character development leave some wanting more originality and emotional resonance.
What viewers praise
- Engaging lead performances Fulu Mugovhani and Tumi Morake deliver standout performances, bringing authenticity and humor to their roles.
- Fresh cultural perspective The South African setting and cultural nuances add a unique and refreshing twist to the rom-com genre.
- Lighthearted and fun The movie’s humor and upbeat tone make it an enjoyable watch for fans of feel-good comedies.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn rom-com tropes, making it feel formulaic and lacking in surprises.
- Uneven pacing Some scenes drag, while others feel rushed, disrupting the flow of the narrative.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting characters lack depth, making their arcs feel shallow or unnecessary.
Recommended for
Rom-com enthusiasts Fans of African cinema Lighthearted comedy lovers Relatable relationship stories Feel-good movie seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s Seriously Single (2020): Behind the Scenes of South Africa’s Rom-Com Hit
Netflix’s Seriously Single (2020) arrived as a fresh take on modern romance, blending sharp humor with a distinctly South African flavor. Directed by siblings Katleho and Rethabile Ramaphakela—known for their work on the hit comedy The Queen—the film follows Dineo (Fulu Mugovhani), a woman who embraces her single status while her best friend Noni (Tumi Morake) navigates the chaos of dating apps. latestnetflix.com's take is that with a runtime of 107 minutes 
, the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with a relatable exploration of love and independence.
A Star-Studded Cast with Chemistry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAinLJA1448
The film’s ensemble cast brought both comedic chops and dramatic depth. Fulu Mugovhani, who plays the lead, has been vocal about the film’s themes, hinting in an interview that Seriously Single challenges societal pressures around relationships . Tumi Morake, a veteran of South African comedy, provided a standout performance as the lovably chaotic Noni, while Bohang Moeko’s portrayal of Lunga added a layer of emotional complexity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jmz3_QkoyU
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Supporting roles from Yonda Thomas, Mpho Osei Tutu, and Tiffany Barbuzano rounded out the cast, delivering performances that kept the film’s energy high. The chemistry among the actors was a key selling point, as seen in the multiple trailers released ahead of the Netflix premiere .
A Rom-Com with a Local Twist
Seriously Single stood out for its South African setting, infusing the rom-com genre with local culture, slang, and social dynamics. The film’s trailer teased a vibrant, fast-paced narrative, promising a mix of humor and heart . While the movie’s reception on platforms like SensCritique was mixed—earning a 3.6/10 rating from 70 votes —it found an audience for its bold, unapologetic take on single life.
Behind the Scenes: Limited but Telling Details
Details about the film’s production remain scarce, but the Ramaphakela siblings’ track record suggests a focus on sharp, dialogue-driven storytelling. Their previous work, The Queen, was a ratings hit in South Africa, and Seriously Single appears to follow a similar formula—high-energy comedy with a side of social commentary.
Fulu Mugovhani’s interview offers one of the few glimpses into the film’s creative process, though specifics about on-set dynamics or challenges are unconfirmed. Rumors about a potential sequel have circulated, but no official announcements have been made.
The Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Rom-Com
Seriously Single may not have been a critical darling, but it carved out a niche as a fun, relatable rom-com with a distinctly South African voice. Its Netflix release ensured global accessibility, and the film’s trailers promised a lighthearted escape—one that delivered on laughs, if not universal acclaim.
For fans of the genre, it’s worth a watch, if only to see a fresh perspective on love and independence.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.