Mr Easy Loo is a worthwhile film, and while there are laughs in between, its core strength lies in the profound message it tries to communicate to the audience.
By Joseph Jonathan
South African cinema has a rich tradition of telling powerful, true-to-life stories that reflect the country’s complex history and resilient people. The latest addition to this canon is Mr Easy Loo, directed by Mandla Ngcongwane.
Written by Makanaka Mavengere, Mr Easy Loo brings to life the inspiring true story of Sam Matona, a resourceful businessman who founded Easy Loo portable toilets in 1980s Soweto.
As the story unfolds, we meet Matona (Aubrey Poo), a determined entrepreneur struggling to make ends meet. Taking on various odd jobs, he’s driven by a singular goal: to become “the number one businessman in Soweto”.
Despite his best efforts, Matona faces one setback after another. Pressured by his grandmother, he reluctantly takes a job at a white-owned factory; a decision that sets off a chain of major problems.
Life as a black man in apartheid South Africa is as difficult as it can get, with having to live in constant fear of oppression by the government, harassment from police and racial segregation. Despite having had his fair share of the above, Matona is shocked to find deeper underlying issues associated with apartheid.
For one, in order for him to get employed at the factory, he’s asked to change his name from Nkopane to Sam which is easier for the whites to pronounce.
The implications of this singular action are profound, as Matona is forced to surrender a part of his identity in order to assimilate into a system that seeks to erase his cultural heritage. This painful compromise serves as a stark reminder of the dehumanising effects of apartheid, where even the simplest aspects of one’s identity, such as a name, are subject to the whims of the oppressor.
The erasure of his name, Nkopane, represents a loss of connection to his roots, family, and community, highlighting the insidious ways in which apartheid sought to dismantle the very fabric of black identity.
During his time at the factory, Matona strives to prove himself as an equal to his white counterparts, enthusiastically presenting innovative ideas to his boss in hopes of earning recognition.
However, his efforts are met with dismissive disdain, as his boss callously responds, “some things are better left unsaid”, implying that a black man’s ideas are worthless and not worthy of consideration.
As a result, Matona’s enthusiasm and determination slowly give way to frustration, anger, and disillusionment. He begins to realise that, no matter how hard he tries, he will never be seen as an equal by his white superiors.
This painful awakening sparks a sense of resistance within him, and Matona starts to question the very system that seeks to suppress his creativity, dignity, and humanity. The seeds of rebellion are sown, and Matona’s journey towards empowerment and self-discovery begins to take shape.
He stumbles upon the mobile toilets built by the company and is struck by their potential, especially after witnessing a shortage of toilet facilities at a friend’s wedding ceremony.
Encouraged by his girlfriend, Francina (Sibulele Gcilitshana), and with the help of his friend, Bra Sanza (Thulani Mtsweni), Matona develops his own model. This bold venture marks a turning point in Matona’s life, as he begins to forge a new path towards independence, self-determination, and entrepreneurial success.
Despite being a comedy, Mr Easy Loo is somewhat critical as it explores the sensitive and complex topic of apartheid. For instance, it sheds light on the harsh realities of the lived experiences of blacks suffering under apartheid, revealing the painful and often debilitating effects of systemic oppression.
Moreover, Mr Easy Loo also thoughtfully examines how some individuals within the black community internalised and perpetuated the oppressive attitudes of apartheid, often as a means of survival or coping mechanism.
Having accepted their fate, Matona’s black co-workers, who have become resigned to their circumstances, stop at nothing to mock and ridicule him when he tries to be innovative or stand up to his oppressive boss.
This behaviour serves as a poignant commentary on the ways in which internalised oppression can manifest, as well as the challenges of resisting and challenging systemic injustice from within. By portraying this complex and nuanced dynamic, Mr Easy Loo offers a powerful critique of apartheid’s insidious effects on the human character.
Mr Easy Loo’s story comes alive through the commendable acting performances of the cast. Poo impresses in his role as Matona, bringing a perfect blend of vulnerability, determination, and charisma to the character.
He portrays Matona’s emotional journey, from the struggles of living under apartheid to the triumphs of finding his own path to success. Poo’s performance is authentic and heartfelt, making it easy to become invested in Matona’s story and root for his underdog spirit.
The supporting cast, including Gcilitshana as Francina and Mtsweni as Bra Sanza, deliver solid performances that add depth and warmth to the film. Overall, the cast’s collective talent helps to bring this inspiring true story to life in a way that is both entertaining and impactful.
Mr Easy Loo is a worthwhile film, and while there are laughs in between, its core strength lies in the profound message it tries to communicate to the audience about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of innovation in the face of adversity.
Beneath its comedic surface, Mr Easy Loo delivers a profound message that would linger after the credits roll.
Rating: 2.9/5
Mr Easy Loo is streaming on Netflix.
Joseph Jonathan is a historian who seeks to understand how film shapes our cultural identity as a people. He believes that history is more about the future than the past. When he’s not writing about film, you can catch him listening to music or discussing politics. He tweets @JosieJp3.