Has the South African comedy scene finally grown up? Maybe so, because Spud is a genuinely South African story that is also genuinely funny without resorting to childish slapstick. Spud the book has been a phenomenal success and the good news is that Spud the movie is equally good. This is because Spud is funny in a clever and thoughtful sort of way, and like all truly good comedies it also tugs at your heartstrings. A little bit of drama and feeling always gives the comedic moments more context and bite.
Spud is set in South Africa 1990. It was a momentous year for our country since Nelson Mandela was released, and also a momentous year for young Spud Milton because it was his first year at a prestigious boys only private boarding school. John Milton is a very ordinary sort of boy, whose eccentric parents cause him much embarrassment, and whose sensitive nature and small stature cause him to struggle to fit in with his peers. He is struggling with the onset of puberty, but the biggest problem is that puberty seems to be happening more slowly for him than anyone else. He is embarrassed by other boys laughing at him in the shower, and that is the pivotal moment that earns him the nickname of Spud. What really worked in the book version of Spud is that he was a character almost everyone could relate to – awkward and insecure, feeling a little out, and struggling to come to terms with puberty – who doesn’t feel his pain?! Anyone who has ever been a teenager, that’s who.
Young Troye Sivan (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) does an excellent job of portraying Spud. He brings him to life exactly as I imagined him, and plays the role with sensitivity and depth. You can’t help but be drawn to the character, and you feel his awkwardness, loneliness as if it was your own. Yet that also means you can laugh along with him at life’s more bizarre moments, and you can rejoice with him as he gradually starts to find a place in his new world.
Talking of eccentric characters, it was certainly a coup for the movie makers to land John Cleese in the role of the ‘Guv’ – or Mr. Edly the English teacher – who becomes something of a mentor for young Spud, although a decidedly off-the-wall one. Cleese is the strongest personality in this production, yet his strength doesn’t dominate other less experienced actors, but rather in the style of a true professional he draws them out and makes them better. The Guv is also an excellent example of how a little bitter drama makes the comedy even sweeter as he struggles with his alcoholism. Most of the other actors were South African and they all did an excellent job. I especially enjoyed Aaron McIlroy as Spud's madcap father – he played his eccentricity to perfection without going over-the-top. Director Donovan Marsh should be mentioned for bringing the best out of his actors, and also for staying faithful to the essential elements of the bestselling book.
The story is nothing new – it is a classic coming-of-age tale that is only set above the ordinary because of its unique human insights, clever comedy and some really good acting. Most impressively, we are drawn into the shoes of the main protagonist (surely the aim of every story) as he struggles to come to terms with a strange new environment and learns some vital lessons in regard to acceptance, friendship, love and the vital importance of being himself. Along the way we are treated to some laugh-out-loud moments, a few tears, and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for ‘those teenage years.’
Be aware that there is some strong language and sexual content – we are after all being drawn into the world of a teenage boy! The film is about teenagers but is probably fortunate to get away with a PG13 rating.
Four stars out of five for Spud. Let’s hope that more of this kind of South African comedy is on the way.