Original subtitles

You’re daydreaming about your skater boy again?

He keeps leaving me on "read".

Are you guys like official official?

Aren't you and Noko also a thing?

[Greta] Lerato is really beautiful.

-What does that mean? -Mm. So fragile.

Noko is cool and fun to hang out with,

but he's not my type at all.

The billionaire baller is not your type?

I knew it. You do fancy her.

You do know that her and Dawoud are dating, right?

They're not. They've just been skating together.

That’s what skaters do on dates.

So, she cancelled your date? She's a bit dodgy.

-You sure that's not Gwyneth speaking? -Just be careful.

[Reporter] A cache of weapons found hidden and smuggled

in an animal transportation has been seized.

Gundo is still rattled about the arrest,

and he’s stopped having communication via phones.

And you want me to do what exactly?

Just place a little listening device in Gundo’s house.

Trust me, your efforts have been noticed by the higher-ups.

[indistinct]

[kiss]

-[slurps] -Do you, girl.

Just don't hurt innocent people.

[elevator dings]

Hey.

[Lerato] Nelson, make me a star!

[music playing from stereo]

[singing in isiZulu]

[applause]

["Principal"] If you don't want an education, then stay at home!

You are ruining your own futures!

[girl] The Honeycomb invites are dropping.

We have to be there.

["Principal"] Right, Miss Masombuka has an announcement.

Good morning, students.

[all "students"] Good morning, Miss Masombuka.

Exciting news. We are putting on a play, and I'm looking for volunteers.

[excited chatter]

["Principal"] Pay attention!

I would like anyone interested to meet me in the music room straight after school.

What's with all the Honeycomb stuff?

Honeycomb? Why?

Those two were talking about invites earlier.

-Oh, my God. If that's true. -So, what is it?

It's awesome. A secret annual Red Light District party.

Ijemma hosts it. She did it last year, and she's doing it again.

She doesn't hold back.

Wait. What are you doing back here, anyway?

Oh, my God, are you... Are you here to support us?

Wow.

[singing in isiZulu]

Wait. You’re here to support us?

See, even Greta thinks it's weird.

What? No, she doesn't.

[Greta] It's a little weird.

I told him about the honeycomb invites. Obsessed.

Wait. The Honeycomb Hideout? I hope I get an invite.

[Ella] Not you too?

It's a little... exclusive. I've never been invited.

Little chat time? Little chit chat? This better not be more party bullshit.

Nobody's focused, of all the nights.

This is Ijemma trying to show me up.

Both Juan and I are on the list!

So, when is it? Do you think Dawoud is going?

[Lerato] Of course he is.

What? Have you spoken to him?

We speak every day.

He's a total catch. Thanks for ruling yourself out.

So good to have him all to myself.

And after Honeycomb, he'll be mine for good.

Wait. Could you please...

Jesus, Ella!

What did she mean by that?

Well... the party does have a bit of a reputation.

It's where people go to hook up or spend time with, you know, their person.

-He's not her person, he's my person. -Is he?

-When does this happen? -People fly out tomorrow.

Please, help me.

[audience cheering]

I'll see what I can find out.

[music playing from stereo]

[singing] ♪ Freedom is coming tomorrow! ♪

♪ Get ready mama Prepare for your freedom! ♪

♪ Freedom is coming tomorrow! ♪

[applause]

♪ Freedom is coming! ♪

[cheering]

♪ Who we are is all that matters ♪

♪ We are far from stones and daggers ♪

♪ We are the tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the spear The tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the... We are the tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the spear The tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the... We are the tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the spear The tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the... We are the tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the spear The tip of the spear ♪

♪ The tip of the... Who we are is all that matters ♪

[Gabe] God, you had such presence on stage, right?

You know, and the songs are just so, so beautifully interpreted.

You know, the performances, the set design.

It was...it was... You should probably just,

you know, give up acting, and probably never sing again, right?

Thanks. That's so...

-Wait, what? -[Gabe chuckles]

Earth to Ella. My name is Gabe Gardner. I’m your dad.

I'm so proud of you. Well done.

-Amazing. -Well done, boy. Well done.

I’m going to say hi to some friends.

Okay. You’re going to sign some autographs? Hmm?

Aww. He did excellent.

[Gundo] You know, she's been avoiding me since this bullshit story came out.

One minute it’s swords and cognacs and...

let’s get you a meeting at number 10, and now look at her.

Fucking fair-weather friends.

I'm proud of you. Come on. Hmm? You were great.

-[Esther] Hi. -Mrs. Ratshevelani, how are you doing?

Oh, please. Please, call me Esther. Well done, well done!

[giggles] I heard your granny flew all the way for this.

Hey, she must be so proud.

Thank you so much. Please, excuse me.

Where are you going?

-You have such a lovely daughter. -[chuckles]

It was really great having her around.

In the country?

At my house, those two have been rehearsing well into the night, hey.

It really did pay off, didn't it?

-Yeah, it sure did. -It was so good.

[upbeat music]

Greta? Have you seen Dawoud?

Maybe he's still around.

It all makes sense, now.

It turns out Gwyn is in charge of this guest list.

-But Ijemma... -Mm-mm.

Gwyn called in this favour.

So, there's no point in asking Ijemma. Gwyn did me dirty.

Everyone... and I mean everyone, will be getting an invitation...

Except me.

Ella is getting a omitticated.

And that's the only reason you got invited.

I can't believe this! [squeals] Look, Gwyn totally put me on.

Jesus, Gwyn is one evil bitch.

Hmm.

I'm going.

How?

I... I’ll ask Noko.

Okay.

And when Dawoud sees you arrive with Noko?

I know, I know.

Where’s Gwyn?

Backstage. Why?

I'm gonna go ask her.

Ella, what do you mean, you're gonna...?

She's such a sucker for pain.

You don't think she's actually going to do it?

People are losing their shit. Guys, everyone's talking about it.

Yeah, I might need to shut off my phone. People are literally begging me.

It's so embarrassing.

[Nazli chuckles]

Oh. Um. Speaking of which.

Would you mind? Could we talk for a minute?

Sure.

Maybe just us, if that's okay.

-[Amina sighs] -[Nazli scoffs]

-Come, Nazli. -What?

-I don't wanna miss this. -Just come.

So, when you drag my name, it's for the whole school.

But you don't want anyone around when you apologise. Smart.

No. I just wanted to...

To ask me about the Hideout, right?

You want me to put you on the list, but you don't want to apologize.

Piss off, Ella.

No, you're right. Listen...

Still listening.

I'm sorry for the whole Nazli thing.

I didn't mean to upset you or to make your life more difficult.

Yeah, but you did.

Yeah, I know. And I'm sorry for that. I am.

How am I supposed to know that you mean it?

I do. I mean it. I'm sorry.

[laughs] Oh, pathetic.

Sooner or later, everyone at this school learns a very important lesson.

Don't fuck with me. Enjoy your midterm break.

Bitch.

[Zuri] Fitzgerald!

Uncle Zuri?

Guilty.

You were fantastic tonight, hey?

You almost made me forget I was watching

the shameless commodification of true bravery.

Thanks, I think.

How you doing?

Well, I'm better now.

I envy you.

Ah! [scoffs] Are you out of your mind, child?

[chuckles] And to think my blameless nephew

is consorting with a filthy American drug addict.

Have you spoken to him?

He hasn’t said a single word to me tonight. I had to figure it out.

You haven't seen him, have you?

He’s probably left already, with Lerato.

Ah. She's pretty.

[chuckles] You left him. He leaves me.

So much loss.

I didn't leave him.

I just... I screwed up and now he won't even talk to me.

Why won’t he talk to you?

I lied to him.

And now he's going to that stupid party with Lerato.

I wasn't invited.

And there's this girl who hates me and my dad is just...

Why does any of that even matter?

Do you think I was invited here? I just showed up.

And you want to know why?

Because you're tired of Uncle Peter calling you a deadbeat?

[laughs] No, smart ass.

I came because I wanted to.

The question is not what you are allowed to do.

It's what you want to do.

You must close your eyes, take a deep breath and...

[breathes in] ask yourself. What do I want?

I mean it. Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath and listen.

[Zuri in Swahili] From here, the spirit.

-I wanna talk to Dawoud. -[Zuri] Mm-hmm.

Tell him I'm sorry and...

You see? Wasn't that simple? [chuckles]

Ella, come! Gabe and Kwame are waiting in the car.

I gotta go.

Run along.

Who was that?

Just a friend's uncle.

Hey, I need a favour.

There's this party that everyone's going to and...

I haven't technically been invited, but I really need to go.

Okay, if it's a party I’m sure it’s...

It’s in Mbombela, which is in...

Mpumalanga. Yeah. Wait, is this a midterm party?

It's just... there's this boy who thinks I'm into Noko because,

you know, obviously, we've been hanging out a lot, and...

he's going to the party with another girl, and I just really need to go.

Can't you just talk to this boy?

I tried. He's not answering any of my calls.

I see that you are upset, but what do you want me to do?

You know, you have to ask.

It was helping you that got me into this mess.

Oh, Ella, I can't allow you to go to another province

without checking in with your father. What do you want me to say?

Okay. I’ll... fine.

Well, do you want me to help you ask him?

We both know what the answer is gonna be. It's fine.

["Gimme" by Hanna playing]

♪ Gimme like one, two, three, four Five reasons to stay ♪

-[ringing] -♪ Gimme like one, two, three... ♪

♪ You've been like one, two, three, four Five planets away ♪

♪ But you be the one, two, three, four Five things that I want ♪

♪ Gimme like one, two, three, four Five reasons to stay ♪

♪ Gimme like one, two, three, four Five reasons I shouldn’t cut you off ♪

♪ You've been like one, two, three, four Five planets away ♪

♪ But you be the one, two, three, four Five things that I want, uh ♪

♪ You don’t gimme nothing But these games ♪

♪ Indecisive, you just playin ♪

♪ And I liked you, woulda wifed you I’m just sayin ♪

♪ Honestly I dunno what you expect ♪

♪ Worst thing is you and me Really been friends ♪

♪ Under the carpet These feelings you swept ♪

♪ Out in the open my feelings I kept ♪

♪ Chasing and chasing and chasing and Chasing your ass like a drink ♪

♪ Needed some time to just think Needed some time to just blink ♪

♪ This how the tables stay turning I want you, you don’t want me back ♪

♪ I move on And now I’m on the brink ♪

♪ Of cutting you off, you been toxic ♪

♪ I see the way that you look at me I know you want this ♪

♪ Gimme like one, two, three, four Five reasons to stay ♪

♪ Gimme like one, two, three, four Five reasons I shouldn’t cut you off ♪

♪ Playing like one, two, three, four Five, six fucking games ♪

♪ Baby it's one, two, three, four Five, six times your loss ♪

[coffee machine humming]

Hey, is that the famed theatre actor, Ella Gardner in my house?

[Ella] Ugh.

[camera sounds] Can you sign this for me, please?

Hey, do you want one of these?

Well, I want one.

Silence, child.

Now, midterm breaks. Are you two excited?

I can't contain my excitement.

[chuckles]

My favourite streamer is hosting a challenge on his server,

perma death, first to get to the nether gets like three gifted.

But the first to defeat the Ender Dragon gets like 12 prime gifted!

What are these words that are coming out of your mouth?

I don't get them.

It's a free 12 months subscription. I'm saving you money here.

What? I don't spend any money on these things.

It's called twitch. And yes, you do. But not for much longer.

Because I will defeat...

-The Ender Dragon. -The Ender Dragon!

-Yeah, yeah. Okay. Whatever. Fine. -You know it.

What about you, first born fruit of my loins?

Dad, gross.

[chuckles] Well?

Instead of going to the best party of my lifetime this weekend,

I'm gonna crash at Greta’s for a day or two.

Exciting.

What, today? Okay, so let me get this straight.

Greta is not going to the party tonight. Hmm?

Dad. Greta? Invited to a party?

Okay, I see your point, but fine.

Why don't you spend some time with us today, huh?

We're making sourdough.

Oh, that thing you do when you don't wanna write.

-Wow. -Zing.

Twelve month subscription. Remember that.

-Hey, honey. -Hey.

That reminds me.

The very lovely Noko’s mommy seems really nice.

So?

I'm just saying, she seems really nice. As does Noko.

I need to go get ready.

I think I figured out who our mystery boy is.

-Don't tease her. -Love.

[laughs]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

[ominous music]

[door beeps]

Exactly. We're gonna run it through the database.

We're gonna get all the information that we need.

-Yeah, it’s just... -Diane, can I talk to you for a minute?

Sorry, Ella, I'm in the middle of something.

-All we need... -Just one thing, quick.

Give me a second. What?

When I was at Noko’s house, I found a photo of Gundo and Wafula.

It wasn't an old photo. They were wearing T-shirts, smiling.

It felt more like a family photo.

-And? -And they looked like friends.

They looked like friends?

-Listen, I... -You're not listening.

If Gundo and Wafula are friends, then why would he be supporting Susuman?

You are basing this off of one photograph?

I have to take this.

Hey, sorry. Yeah, no. Listen, so...

So, you want me to message her parents?

No. Only if they ask a question.

If you don't know what to say, just call me and we'll tell you what to type.

So, why don't you take the phone with you?

Please, Talknice. What about R500?

What about it?

I don't have it at the moment, but I'll give it to you as soon as I get back.

So, Talknice... you know how you like to entertain

when my parents aren’t home?

I don't know what...

The jacuzzi, the steam room, the pool?

I don't have a problem with it, but my parents would.

Yeah, but I don't like lying to parents, Miss Greta.

Thanks, Talknice.

Even if it's for R500. Honesty is very important.

The money is not the point.

Thank you, Talknice. I'll give it to you as soon as possible.

Miss Greta, when is your flight? You need to get to the airport.

Um, I called an Uber. It's almost here.

You don’t have any money on you?

The powerful USD, baby. I've got 500 of them.

I'm gonna exchange it and then, buy my ticket.

Do you have your travel documents?

Travel documents?

Yes, in South Africa, you need a passport to exchange foreign currency.

What are you going to do? Do you want me to stay and help?

There's no point in both of us missing our flights.

-[phone chimes] -[car honks]

Good luck, Ella.

Um, Talknice?

Yes, Miss Ella.

Would you mind driving me somewhere?

Would you like to go home?

No, not home.

Because I can definitely take you home.

Maybe into the city. I've got to pick something up.

Excuse me for a second. Do you mind waiting?

No, no, not at all.

[engine starts]

[music playing]

[Ella] Talknice! Hey, wait!

[dogs barking]

["Bopha" by Mellow & Sleazy & Felo Le Tee playing]

[Valentine] Come in.

Ah, American girl.

I don't do refunds, hey? So, don't even try it.

What about these?

How much is that?

Five hundred dollars.

Where do you get them?

Does it matter?

So, you came all this way by yourself?

With money. What's to stop me from taking it, huh?

What will the headline read this time?

Maybe, uh, "Nigerian businessman stops American thief."

-Nine to one. -What?!

That's like half of what it's worth.

-The bank gives like... -Yes.

And if you rush, you can catch it before it closes.

Fifteen.

[chuckles] Don't be silly.

Fourteen?

Ten, that’s it.

Come on, fourteen at least.

Thirteen.

And next time it won't be that.

And one of those phones?

Thanks, Valentine.

I like this one.

You gonna make a very good businesswoman one day.

One more thing. I need a cheap way to get to Mbombela.

Ah.

Sure. I know a way.

-[indistinct chatter] -[chickens clucking]

[Ella] Excuse me. Sorry. Sorry.

Excuse me.

[exhales]

[driver in SePedi] They've fixed the bus, we are now leaving.

[pop music playing]

-[Lolo] Greta. -[Greta] Whoo!

Thank you.

[fire hissing]

[man] These are 15, these are 20.

[Ella] Excuse me, excuse me.

[man] Let's spend your money.

[Ella] Excuse me.

Could you please point me towards Kolobe Lodge?

Apparently, it’s near.

[in Sepedi] I know where it is, but I'm not going there.

I'm sorry. I don't understand. Could you point me in the right direction?

Hello.

Hi.

Do you know where this is?

[in Sepedi] Go straight that way.

Thank you.

-[in Sepedi] Look at this. -Good evening.

Look at this.

Sorry, you can't go in.

Sorry, I don't understand what you're saying.

Hi. This is a private function. Um...

And I was invited.

May I see your invitation?

My phone died and my driver...

That’s not a problem, I just need your name.

Ella Gardner.

Ella Gardner, right.

Sorry, Miss Gardner. Your name is not on the list.

We're under strict rules and instructions. I hope you understand though.

No, no, I understand.

Thanks. My detail’s just as strict.

Are you guys with a diplomatic or a private outfit?

We are private.

T. Nel Security. Theunis Nel Security.

Thank you. My guys will want to know. They can be real sticklers.

This looks like a diplomat's child.

No, man.

You want to tell me that this dirty farm girl is a diplomat's child?

[man 2] No, man. Relax.

I don't dispute she looks like she's from the farms.

She's a coconut. She doesn't speak Pedi.

Yet she speaks of details?

'Details'?

-[man2] Come on, man. -And she has an American twang.

-Dude, leave... -A young Tbo Touch?

-Leave this child. -I'm talking to her.

-How is she a diplomat's child? -We don't have pension.

Hold on, man. Sorry, miss!

Ma’am! If you may.

[upbeat music]

Where have you been?

You look nice!

You don't.

Have you seen Dawoud?

More importantly, has he seen you?

Like that? 'Cause, ugh.

Hurry up! Let’s get you snatched.

Come on. Let's go.

Okay.

Okay. Lock the door behind you and try to clean up.

-Ella, go! -Okay.

Jeez.

-[Ella] Hey! -Hurry up!

-[music pounding] -[message chimes]

[keypad typing]

[chuckles]

[woman] Bri, how does the steam room work?

I’ll be right there, babes.

If he's not here, then where is he?

More importantly...

where are you?

Have fun tonight and forget about him. Shall we?

We shall.

[Lolo] Oh, thank you!

[Ella] Thank you.

[Ella] So, this is what you meant?

[Lolo] Right?

["Ngomso" by Stiff Pap and Moonchild Sanelly]

No way! Sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud.

You look amazing.

Don't make it weird.

You just can’t help yourself.

-Ella! -I'm not flirting.

[chuckle] Okay. That was too much, like, way too much.

Yank! You made it.

Please tell me that’s not going to stick.

Yeah, I thought I should stop saying that, actually.

-[Ella] Thank you. -[Greta] Thank you!

-[Ijemma] To? -[Noko] To beautiful women.

[Ijemma] Oh, please, no. We can do way better than that.

To Sarafina?

[Ella] That's a good one.

To the commodification of struggle history.

[Jonas] Ouch.

Wait. To new friends.

Someone get me a tissue.

[Ella] Shut up.

Hey, to new friends.

[all] To new friends!

Um... She's not even on the list. We should... We should go tell...

What? The girl she's literally dancing and drinking with? No way.

Don't be stupid.

["Where's Your Father" by Que DJ and DJ Lag playing]

Bottle of water, please.

Thank you.

[Jonas] Shot! [Noko] No!

[Jonas] Shot, shot, shot, shot!

[Noko] No, don’t you dare without us.

Come, all together guys. Bring yours.

One for you...

[Noko] So, you’re one and done?

A peace offering? Hmm?

[Noko] To new friends.

[Jonas] To new friends.

[Noko] Come on, come on.

-To new friends! -[all laugh]

-[Gwyneth] Another? Whoo! -[Jonas] Yeah, okay.

[laughs]

Jesus.

I'm going to put that on my business card...

Ijemma Egbe, helping virgins get laid since 2023. [chuckles]

This party, Ijemma... it's pure magic.

Who needs family when you have all this?

-[Jonas] Shot, shot, shot. -Here comes trouble.

[Jonas] Shot, shot, shot, shot.

[Jonas] Come on, take it, take it, take it.

[Ella] To the best party in the world.

[Ella] Mm. Delicious.

[Noko] Can I talk for like a minute?

Or, am I going to have to follow you around all night?

[Ijemma] Oh, I don't mean to get in the way.

Please, don’t apologise.

[Noko] I have something to say, so I'm just going to say it.

I know I've been a bit extra with the whole pursuing you thing,

and maybe I've been a bit weird,

But I like you, a lot. And I think we can become friends.

Like good friends. So?

Friends?

Friends.

You know, you're okay, Noko...

considering your life.

My life?

Normal people don't live like this.

I have a pretty normal life.

Rhinos, helicopters. There's nothing normal about it.

How many, say, Presidents do you think I've met?

I don't know that many Presidents.

You shouldn't know any.

Narnia is more believable than your existence.

Well, I do have a godfather who's also a President.

I guess also that's a bit extra.

Which President?

Wafula. The Kenyan President.

I don't believe you. Call him right now.

[scoffs] You're nuts. You can’t just call a president.

You’re looking a little lit.

No, no, I’m good.

I just need a minute.

[distorted music playing]

["Ways" by Tasha The Amazon playing]

[Ijemma] Hey, Ella. You don’t look so hot.

I’m fine. I’m fine.

Is that?

Is that who? Drink some water.

[in British accent] You drink water. [chuckles]

Dawoud?

Dawoud? Hold up.

Dawoud?

["When" by Red Robyn and Melodiesinfonie playing]

You've been out for a minute.

You’re safe now.

Do you always overdo it this much?

I'm actually glad I bumped into you.

I’ve been meaning to say a few things.

You’ve been meaning to say...

Hmm?

You just said now, you’ve been meaning to say...

Oh, yes. Not with Lerato.

Don't do that.

Not unless you love her.

Then, by all means, go for it.

Open the baby making-factory for all I care.

[chuckles] Yeah, Lerato told me she gave you a hard time.

You know, she was just ragging you, right?

But I actually think you have a better chance with her than I do.

It’s my cheekbones.

You’re really out of it.

How much have you had?

Three. No wait... two. Two shots.

Just two shots?

And did you, I don’t know, take anything else?

Yeah, I took a bus.

And a long ass-walk, just so I could tell you I love you.

Okay.

I want you to stay here, okay?

I'm just gonna go call someone to come have a look at you.

Don’t move.

Hey, you feeling okay?

What is with you?

What?

You’ve already messed things up with Dawoud once.

Now, when he comes back and he sees you here,

what’s he gonna say?

Goddammit. Noko, wait!

Noko, please.

[Noko] Leave me alone.

Hey!

-[taser sparking] -Noko! Noko!

[fireworks bang]

[girl] Whoo!

Yeah, she was right here.

I’ll go look for her.

Check that side. I’ll go this way.

[man 1 in isiZulu] Get the door.

[man 1 in isiZulu] Open the door, open the door.

Leave him alone!

Shit.

Stop! Stop it!

[man 1 in isiZulu] Dude, this girl saw me.

[man 2] What are you doing?

[man 1 in isiZulu] This kid saw me. Let's go!

[man 2] Shit!

Ella!

Greta, no!

-[screams] -[body thuds]

[ominous music]

-Ella’s been kidnapped. -What?!

I don’t care what you do or how you go about it,

I just want my son home.

Um, I'm not sure.

Cops are all over this matter.

The bug in his study has come in handy.

He's made a few calls trying to keep the local authorities at bay.

So, this isn't random at all.

Let’s not assume the worst, Chief.

[sobs]

[theme music playing]