Deception runs deep in the compelling suspense drama, ‘Savage Beauty’ 2

AFTER the cliffhanger ending of season one of “Savage Beauty”, fans waited in high anticipation for the second instalment.

Thankfully, the wait is over. And after binge-watching the entire six episodes, I can say it was worth it.

Quizzical Pictures delivered a nail-biting season with writer and co-executive producer, Lebogang Mogashoa, doing a stellar job with the script.

The fact that it sits among the Top 10 South African shows list since its premiere, attests to its appeal.

A quick refresher for those unfamiliar with the show. It centres on the influential Bhengu family, helmed by Don (Dumisani Mbebe) and Grace (Nthati Moshesh).

They may not always see eye to eye on matters but they share the same ruthless streak when it comes to their Bhengu Beauty business empire.

Of course, money doesn’t buy love. And this family, while living in the lap of luxury, are as dysfunctional and morally bankrupt as they come.

Phila (Jesse Suntele) lives a debauched lifestyle of sex, drugs and women. His step-sister Linda (Nambitha Ben-Mazwi) was the apple of their father’s eye until her affair with his second wife Thando (Angela Sithole) was exposed in season one.

Meanwhile, Ndu (Oros Mampofu) was the only one who wasn’t eyeing the family empire. A passionate photographer, he fell in love with Zinhle (Rosemary Zimu), who was introduced as the face of Bhengu Beauty in season one.

That said, she had ulterior motives for inserting herself into their lives; Zinhle was seeking justice for Don and Grace’s part in the death of her sister.

The first season centred on the cat-and-mouse games Zinhle played with the Bhengu’s, sabotaging their events and exposing their ugly side.

It ended with a face-off between Zinhle and Don. The new season picks up from that intense scene, which ends with a shocking tragedy for the Bhengu family.

Grace is overcome with grief at losing Ndu while Don is determined to find Zinhle and make her pay. At the funeral, Phila is drawn to Charlotte “Charlie” Moloto (Lebogang Fisher).

Having just returned from London, Charlie exudes confidence. And she’s his type. It isn’t long before the two find themselves in a no-strings-attached relationship.

Meanwhile, Linda is struggling to find a job after being ostracised by her father. But Thando is supportive.

As for Grace and Don, let’s say the gloves have come off between the two as the fight for power becomes deadly. No longer consumed with making the right impression, Grace goes for the jugular, more so as she suspects there is more to Ndu’s demise than Don had let on.

Haunted by the ghost of his dead son, Don exhausts every resource to make sure he isn’t ousted by the board, which is helmed by Mutale (Abena Ayivor), who doesn’t suffer fools or mince her words.

Then there is Richard, who, aside from trying to get Phila to partner with him, woos Grace.

As the series plays out, one thing is clear, the Bhengu family is facing a new adversary. But with the family so divided, weathering the storm is easier said than done.

Mbebe and Moshesh deserve an award for their Machiavellian performances. They are a marvel to watch in trying to one-up each other.

Suntele plays his conflicted character with pizzazz and he holds his own against Mbebe and Moshesh.

Fisher and Ayivor, who we need to see more of on television, are a tour de force in their respective roles. Both are impressive; Fisher as she channels her character’s craftiness and Ayivor as a ballbusting figure.

Keep an eye out for Desmond Dube as well.

The writer has upped the ante with the script in season two. It’s laden with thrilling betrayals, espionage and sabotage.

The bottom line is it’s a savage battle and it begs for accountability and forgiveness.

∎ “Savage Beauty 2” is streaming on Netflix.