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The Girl in the Yellow Jumper opens with Jim (Michael Wawuyo Jr.) as he limps injured through the Ugandan countryside, trying to hitch a ride to the city. He is eventually picked up by Patrick (Maurice Kirya), an off-duty cop who's reluctantly transporting a witness. On their way, the two men share some stories that shed some light about how they got to where they are now, but more importantly, who they really are.
Part of Jim's story revolves around him escaping a duo of women, one of them wearing a yellow jumper, that kidnapped and tortured him. Meanwhile, Patrick seems to be juggling some issues at home while working the case of a serial killer. At one point, he shares a story with Jim that concludes with the above moral, because as much as they both think they might be doing a good thing, it is not always the right thing.
I had never heard of this Ugandan mystery thriller, but saw it come up on a couple of lists of African films, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by it. Not only is it extremely well shot, but its labyrinthine story is craftily weaved in a way that makes it a real pleasure to unfold. Maybe director and writer Loukman Ali goes a bit too far with some red herrings, but for the most part, everything he sets up, has a solid payoff in the end.
It doesn't mean that the film is flawless. There are some interactions that are a bit cringy, while some developments require a share of suspension of disbelief, but I didn't think it got in the way of my enjoyment too much. The performances are, for the most part, competent and the direction was particularly good. If you like twisty mysteries, with intertwining plotpoints, then there's no reason not to give this one a shot.
Grade:
THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW JUMPER
(2020, Loukman)
A thriller film • A film from Uganda
(2020, Loukman)
A thriller film • A film from Uganda
"Sometimes, the good thing is not always the right thing to do."
The Girl in the Yellow Jumper opens with Jim (Michael Wawuyo Jr.) as he limps injured through the Ugandan countryside, trying to hitch a ride to the city. He is eventually picked up by Patrick (Maurice Kirya), an off-duty cop who's reluctantly transporting a witness. On their way, the two men share some stories that shed some light about how they got to where they are now, but more importantly, who they really are.
Part of Jim's story revolves around him escaping a duo of women, one of them wearing a yellow jumper, that kidnapped and tortured him. Meanwhile, Patrick seems to be juggling some issues at home while working the case of a serial killer. At one point, he shares a story with Jim that concludes with the above moral, because as much as they both think they might be doing a good thing, it is not always the right thing.
I had never heard of this Ugandan mystery thriller, but saw it come up on a couple of lists of African films, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by it. Not only is it extremely well shot, but its labyrinthine story is craftily weaved in a way that makes it a real pleasure to unfold. Maybe director and writer Loukman Ali goes a bit too far with some red herrings, but for the most part, everything he sets up, has a solid payoff in the end.
It doesn't mean that the film is flawless. There are some interactions that are a bit cringy, while some developments require a share of suspension of disbelief, but I didn't think it got in the way of my enjoyment too much. The performances are, for the most part, competent and the direction was particularly good. If you like twisty mysteries, with intertwining plotpoints, then there's no reason not to give this one a shot.
Grade: