Number 37 (2018) User Reviews

My Review Of "Number 37"

[ASouthernHorrorFan · 6/10 · 16 December 2018]

The story is a stark crime story that plays on suspenseful thrusts of drama and intense characters. The cast give varied but strong performances. At times scenes feel forced against conflicting backdrops but inevitably that slight aspect seems as intentional as Hitchcock's "Rear Window". Dumisa shows a brilliance in this ability to mirror obvious influence of western filmmakers while never coming off as mimicry.

"Number 37" performs as a dark, off-quilter slow burner where action is concerned. There are moments when the suspense builds into actual thrills. However a lot of the violence and bloodshed acts more as aesthetic instead of pressure points in the film. Still enough thriller elements exist to really tease a Tarantino quality. Overall "Number 37" is a strong, contemporary crime thriller worth the watch.

Fresh Authentic Thrill

[pibl-87824 · 7/10 · 1 April 2019]

The first half fades slightly, but in the second half the film gains more of its tempo and tension. Toward the end we are rewarded with a cool end ... you can watch the movie.

Decent watch

[alphadude007 · 6/10 · 18 July 2020]

The movie is nothing to rave about. But, it has a good plot and acting is pretty okay as well. Worth investing your time if you are after a decent thriller.

Rear Window

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 24 March 2019]

Randal (Irshaad Ally) and Lester borrow $25,000 from a shark to start a drug dealing business. The money gets stolen, Lester is killed, and Randal is in a wheelchair with no way to pay him back. His wife Pam (Monique Rockman) gifts Randal with a set of binoculars which he uses to spy on apartment 37 across the ways where a lot of dirty things happen.

Randal hatches a plan with his friend Warren being his leg man. Things go bad.

This was an interesting film even with most of the action taking place in one location. Our protagonist is not an honest person, but he is what we got.

Guide: F-word. nudity. No sex.

Cape Flats Thriller

[nicovdk-54575 · 7/10 · 2 March 2021]

Nommer 37 is a good South African thriller and a strong film from the Cape Flats with nail biting anxiety and suspense. A man caught in debt, drug and gangster related crime falls deeper into trouble when a constraining injury results in him relying on the care of his girlfriend. The film shows relevant issues that people from the Cape Flats must deal with daily as well as a tumultuous love story on the Flats.

The film has great acting from the two leads, played by Irshaad Ally and Monique Rockman. The performance from the whole cast also gives a strong picture of life on the Cape Flats. For Afrikaans viewers the dialogue is something special as the specific Cape dialect is used very well and effectively throughout the film. The directing was done well and was some of the better and original work from the last decade in South Africa, especially in the Afrikaans film genre.

This film does contain story elements which was clearly influenced by Alfred Hitchcock's film Rear Window (1954). The fifties Hitchcock film is however probably only known by a few South Africans which would make this film for most viewers a new and refreshing story with strong South African characterization.

Recommend this film to every South African who wants to see a good thriller from their own country and to any person who wants a better understanding of the stresses that people who live in the Cape Flats endure.

Afrikaans Rear Window

[killercharm · 7/10 · 13 April 2022]

In this Afrikaans Rear Window Randall comes home in a wheelchair. His girl gives him binoculars so he can occupy himself while he's alone all day, cause she works. He spies on his neighbors and grumbles and tries to brew up a plan to get the loan shark off his back that he owes a ton of money to. One day he sees a murder, right across from his apartment. This flick is wonderfully paced and it has great suspense brewing all through our hero's bad ideas. I especially like the relationship between him and his lady-love. She loves him and has his back but he really has to grow up.

Wow. BAD

[arfdawg-1 · 1/10 · 2 April 2019]

This movie is so poorly made that it took me 15 minutes before I realized they were talking in a foreign language. Only then sometimes they spoke in English, compounding the confusion.

It's a piece of garbage mess as a movie.

Very INTENSE

[michaeljohnsrud · 8/10 · 21 February 2019]

Irshaad Ally gives an amazing performance in "Number 37." He plays a paraplegic man who spends most of his time in his South African apartment. He receives a pair of binoculars from his wife to help him get through this hard time. Since receiving the binoculars, he observes his apartment neighbors all day, every day. When he witnesses a murder, he begins to blackmail the killers for money he needs to pay off another group of criminals. This film is intense, thrilling, and had my eyes glued to the screen, especially the scene where he gets cornered by both groups of criminals. I highly recommend this film if you love thrillers!

Don't expect Hitchcock

[kosmasp · 5/10 · 22 September 2020]

Especially if you are watching this in Germany and or another country that puts the comparison or likelihood in the title. Rear Window or Fenster zum Hof = Window to the yard is the Hitchock movie I'm talking about. So this movie is called "Fenster zum Tod" = Window to Death ... and if you watch this, it is not far fetched. There are simillarities to say the least.

But while we have someone watching someone else through their window, this is not as tense as the Original was. If you compare those two, you most likely will not like this newer altered version of it. Unless you are into action and characters doing things as wrong/stupid as possible to create even more tension ... still overall you can enjoy this for what it is ...

Great Foreign Direction

[rebeccacastellano-43448 · 9/10 · 21 February 2019]

Foreign films don't get enough credit. The direction of this South African movie was incredible. Directors, often struggle with capturing these sensitive topics, but I thought the combination of emotional acting and intense storyline allowed these issues to be illustrated in a way they deserved. The film, which follows a paraplegic man who attempts to use criminal means to make his way out of poverty, gets progressively more thrilling as it goes along. I was on the edge of my seat by the end of the movie! A must see for anyone who loves suspense.

Rear window ?

[baunacholi-86159 · 5/10 · 19 May 2021]

Some reviews brought up comparisons with Hitchcock's movie rear window, which shares on a small scale a similar setting/premise. But that's pretty much it with similarities. Whereas the 50's classic is elegant, innovative shot and with a cast too beautiful to be true, plus an innovative story - well, a classic movie throughout..., nommer 37 is rather raw, deals with real time issues (I guess) and chooses a gritty path. Ultimately both have a very different story to tell...I prefer Hitchcock in every sort or way with a 10 vs 5.

A Well-Crafted Moral Delima

[BrendenElliot · 9/10 · 18 February 2019]

The true tragedy that makes this film so powerful comes from the unfortunate truth that humans are inherently "greedy little piggies". Director/Writer Nosipho Dumisa powerfully embodies this flaw in each of her characters, and makes it highly individualized through a screenplay that relies more on character development than gore. The conflict of every role is crafted by powerful performances, particularly Monique Rockman, who plays her role of the abused girlfriend as seemingly regretful more than she is spiteful. Every instance of tension is capped-off by an unwarranted act of violence that draws sympathy from audiences. Dumisa makes it impossible to ignore the unfortunate circumstances that protagonists and antagonists alike are thrown into, which had such a strong impact that I found myself questioning my own morality as I exited the theater.

Gritty, Suspenseful and Entertaining. Recommend to anyone.

[gabycuevas-57165 · 8/10 · 20 February 2019]

While most crime thrillers make it quite evident who the villainous figure is, the magic of Number 37 is the cleverly crafted storyline leaves that notion entirely up to interpretation. Irshaad Ally's portrayal of Randall, a burglar/drug-dealer turned paraplegic, begs viewers to decide whether these unfortunate circumstances justify his manipulative actions throughout the film, often times risking the lives of those closest to him to save himself. More than just a movie about gangs and murder, Number 37 tells a gritty tale of the power of greed and corruption, and how the combination of both can lead an individual's ultimate demise. Director Nosipho Dumisa's modernized approach to re-creating a classic pays off entirely, producing a powerful depiction of humanity's cynical side.

Very fresh and real

[stephan-sparrius · 9/10 · 8 June 2018]

Saw this at Sydney Film Festival 2018, hosted by Nosipho. Fantastic interpretation of original concept. The subtitles proved useful for conveying the original lamguage wit. Dialogue and scenes well integrated into modern South Africa, but with a global appeal. I though Randall did a fantastic acting job, and the other sub characters had meaning. I may be biased by previously living in the Cape, but even my global friends understood the messages and screen play. My only critique was that the police woman's capitulation to corruption could have been further played out, but this is minor and does not distract from the main plot.

Intense and truly draws you in!

[sarahdrewry · 9/10 · 21 February 2019]

Something about suspense movies always catches my eye, and "Number 37" was nothing short of intense. South-African director Nosipho Dumisa knew how to really capture my attention in this fast-paced action thriller about a handicapped man, who, in trying to get money to pay off a debt to a loan shark, witnesses the murder of a cop and decides to blackmail the criminals. I won't give away too much, but the story moves quickly and keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat, even until the very last minute. One thing that truly stuck out to me was the phenomenal acting put forth by the two leading characters. Irshaad Ally, who plays the handicapped protagonist Randal, gives an emotional whirlwind of a performance that gives the audience full access to the mind of the character. Monique Rockman, who plays his girlfriend Pam, is able push past the stereotypical character of the loyal girlfriend of a criminal by presenting a strong and bold, yet loving presence on the screen. Each character works together to perfectly create a glimpse of humanity in this wild world of crime and pride. I highly suggest you check this one out!

Intense, unpredictable film.

[austinstevelucy · 9/10 · 19 February 2019]

Irshaad Ally gives an extraordinary performance in "Number 37." He plays a paraplegic man who is trapped in his Cape Town apartment. His wife gives him a pair of binoculars to help him get through this hard time. Since he received the binoculars, he has been observing his apartment neighbors all day, every day. When he witnesses a murder, he begins to blackmail the killers for money he needs to pay off. This film is intense, unpredictable, and had me constantly on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend!!

Highly Intense and Stressful

[jordanthom · 9/10 · 19 February 2019]

I love thriller films, and Number 37 blew me away with how insanely invested I was while watching it. At first it seems like it could be a more quiet thriller, but as the plot picks up everything goes to full intensity and stays there until the heart-racing conclusion. For a crime movie, the characters have so much depth and emotional range. It makes every small misstep or triumph all the more heart-wrenching as a viewer. I can't even begin to explain how good Irshaad Ally and Monique Rockman are- they are powerhouse performers. Absolutely unreal. I rooted for their characters every step of the way and really felt their desperation to have a better life for themselves. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I was extremely stressed out while watching this movie- which to me speaks to how good of a film Number 37 actually is. It is so wonderfully executed with interesting characters and plot/suspense that is powerfully engaging.

Intense, suspense thriller

[rachelrkanter · 9/10 · 19 February 2019]

Director Nosipho Dumisa brought to the table a very interesting twist on an action packed thriller. This South African film showcases what living in a world where crime and violence is an everyday occurrence is like. A recent paraplegic named Randal, played by Irshaad Ally, is given a pair of binoculars and is faced with a conundrum after witnessing a murder through these spectacles. He takes this disastrous event and tries to turn it into a way for him to get out of this world him and his girlfriend Pam are trapped in metaphorically speaking. The love he has for his girlfriend is undeniable which is why he is willing to risk it all in order to give her a better life, a life she deserves. To add to the stress, Randal and Pam also have to work around police corruption and a system where the drug lord is in control of the whole city. You don't necessarily know it while watching, but throughout the duration of the movie, it is leading up to the final scene where everything goes down, and it is not what you would expect at all. Won't say any spoilers so that way you can experience the insane adrenaline rush that I felt while watching this. Truly a feeling that I have not experienced through a movie in a very long time, and I loved every second of it. Highly recommend this movie to any adrenaline junkies out there, or anyone that just enjoys a good thriller, because let's face it, you don't get to watch one every day.

Outstanding film

[madiimcc · 9/10 · 13 February 2019]

A beautiful modern version of an Alfred Hitchcock classic, Number 37 ticks off all the boxes needed to be an amazing movie in my book. The film follows Randal (Irshaad Ally), who is faced with the predicament of repaying his debts while confined to a wheelchair in his apartment. I am a huge fan of this movie, the plot, the cinematography, the suspense, everything. The performances were incredible, especially Ally's as Randal at the very end. I was in awe of the overall film, and would highly recommend it.

Amazing Acting

[ernie-53621 · 9/10 · 15 June 2019]

The actors got me so engrossed in the movie that I had to remind myself that it was not real. WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

The interesting gender dynamics

[rebeccalprice-12412 · 9/10 · 18 February 2019]

If you like movies that seem like they are about one thing and then are actually about another, then Number 37 is the movie to watch. Number 37 is about a man in a wheelchair who witnesses a murder and then decides it's a good idea to blackmail the murderer all while living on the same block as him. While the plot seems to focus on the suspenseful and crudely reckless plans of the protagonist, Randal, the film actually highlights the power dynamic between genders. The power dynamic between the men and the women in this film is fascinating as each male character is portrayed as this machismo alpha gangster, while every female character (including the clean cop) is portrayed as inferior and weaker to the men. The women allow the men tell them what to do, even if it means risking their own lives. This power dynamic and the way it is portrayed in this movie accurately depict the abusive gender dynamic often found in lower socioeconomic households, cultures, and cinema.

A well-captured modern twist on Hitchcock's Rear Window

[elissaanncaplan · 9/10 · 18 February 2019]

Heart racing and suspenseful, Number 37 was everything I could hope for and more in a well-produced action film. Paying homage to Hitchcock's Rear Window, this film sets a similar scene of a wheelchair-bound man who witnesses a murder. However, Number 37 gives a modern South African twist on Hitchcock's classic with its enticing plot twists, criminal activity and a mistaken identity. The film's main character Randall is indebted to a dangerous loan shark who is impatiently waiting for his incoming payments. At a loss of where to accumulate his debts and in fear of his life, Randal finds himself desperate to get the money in any way he can. One day, looking out his window through his binoculars, he witnesses a murder go down in a neighbor's apartment and uses this to his advantage. Instead of involving the police, Randal schemes up a plan to anonymously blackmail the killers to try and get any money he can out of them. However, once this plan is put into fruition, it's harder than anticipated to secure his secret identity and insure the safety of his and his girlfriend's lives. This South African film is a highly intense narrative with a nail-biting story line that was certainly worth the watch.

A great take on Rear Window

[anthonydesmondolivier · 9/10 · 11 March 2019]

A gritty variation of Hitchcock's Rear Window, set in the Cape Flats. The Cape character is accurately reflected, and the tension grows throughout the film, in which you feel genuine fear for the central characters.

Randall and Pam are lost in a callous environment, driven to take actions they never anticipated. Their circumstances become as claustrophobic as the apartment in which Randall is confined, and ultimately depend on each other for their survival.

I enjoyed the realism in this film, as difficult as it could be to watch.

Recommend to Rear Window fans

[ecsd-41839 · 10/10 · 19 February 2019]

Director Nosipho Dumisa definitely had the goal of paying homage to Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" with "Number 37" and thankfully, it does so while managing to stand out as a thriller in its own right. In the film, Randel takes to watching his neighbors with a pair of binoculars after a recent illicit deal gone wrong leaves him wheelchair bound and in the ghettos of South Africa. He is indebted to a violent loan shark who comes knocking on the door and demonstrates what will happen if Randal doesn't settle his debt before the end of the week. While spying on his neighbors, he notices that one of the neighborhood gangsters has a stash of money in his apartment. With his girlfriend's aid, he plans on stealing the money before the deadline. Much like "Rear Window," much of the tension comes from Randal looking through his binoculars and observing events unfold from his wheelchair. The performances from all the actors are top notch, especially with Irshaad Ally, who gives a particularly captivating performance as the disabled Randal. "Number 37" offers a lot of high tension, heart-stopping moments that I recommend to Hitchcock fans for the way it transplants the premise of "Rear Window" in a contemporary setting.

Exciting new thriller

[zieglerstephen · 9/10 · 20 February 2019]

A new jaw dropping thriller "Number 37" is set in South Africa from director Nosipho Dumisa, and has been incredibly captivating with taking the audience by surprise from a modern take on Hitchcock's "Rear Window" from 1954. The cinematography plays a massive role in the pace of the film, as well as playing with lighting the film produces a thriller that reaches new heights with suspense and constant action. I believe this will be one of the best thrillers this year, even in a pretty competitive genre.