Fatal Seduction review: The story and ending changes in this South African version of Dark Desire

3/5

Story:

Jacob Tau meets Nandi Mahlati and there's an instant physical attraction which changes to love. However, things are not like they seem, for he is hiding his identity and she is unsure about what she needs in life.

Review:

Fatal Seduction, which is South Africa's version of Dark Desire, is nothing like the Spanish series. The story has changed and so has the ending. There is no murder, no thrill of it even, this time around.

The music in this series is very appealing. It makes the scenes just as sensuous as required.

The camera really enhances the actors in the series. This holds especially true for Nandi, whose emotions are served on a platter through her facial expressions.

The locales add to the vibe of the show. After dark moments, these scenes ease the tension.

The series is in more than three languages. That can get a bit distracting but since it is mostly just a word or three, it works.

The thrill factor in the series is just as much as Dark Desire, if not more. However, unfortunately, that dies down as the series come towards the end, for the mystery doesn't solve at all.

Kgomotso Christopher (of Isidingo fame) as Nandi Mahlati is the best part of the series. From her first frame to (almost) last, you understand exactly what she wants to convey through her acting.

Thapelo Mokoena (Pulse) as Nandi’s husband, Leonard Mahlati has a briefer role but is convincing in it. He makes up for what the original character, played by Erik Hayser, lacked - which is the rich, handsome married man.

Prince Grootboom (1802: Love Defies Time) as Jacob Tau is a good fit but he's no Alejandro Speitzer. Prince does express well but in comparison, he misses the charm.

Nat Ramabulana (Warrior) as Leonard’s brother, Vuyo Mahlati is perfect for the role. He gets every scene correct and almost convinces you that he's the hero of the story.

Ngele Ramulondi (Noughts + Crosses) as Leonard and Nandi’s daughter, Zinhle Mahlatiz, shines out thanks to her make-up and slang. She nails the role of a confused college student, who is still exploring her options in life.

Lunathi Mampofu (The River) as the friend, Brenda Grootboom, does her magic. As a regular partygoer who feels extremely lonely, her character graph and the way Lunathi handles her scenes, are magical.

Frances Sholto-Douglas (The Kissing Booth 3) as Laura Goldman has a smaller role but portrays the best friend everybody deserves to perfection. She's just too good as a queer and an unrequitted lover.

Rizelle Januk (Eraser: Reborn) as Ameera Naidoo has just two scenes in the series and is completely there in just one. Since she does not have much to contribute, judging her for the one scene would be unfair, especially because the series focuses on her 'perfect figure' over what her role really reprises.

If you put Dark Desire and Fatal Seduction on a scale, we would lean towards the former. Fatal Seduction tries its best to recreate the Spanish series but is barely there.

They differ story-wise too and while Fatal Seduction does have its moments with Jacob, everything else is just well-presented. Dark Desire does it better even then.

Verdict:

Thus, as a standalone series, Fatal Seduction is a good change. However, as the adaptation of Dark Desire, this series is only passable.