Queen Sono (2020) User Reviews

Netflix's first African original series

[pritypoddar · 7/10 · 10 April 2020]

It is Netflix's first African original series. It is about a young but extremely well trained African spy, who has a knack for successfully completing her missions but no policy of adhering to any rule. Alongside working for her nation, she is also on the continuous look out of finding her mother's assassins.

It's quite educative to watch an African series with an African protagonist in her local backdrop. Usually, we as the international audience are used to see Africa as a visiting or migrated location from other developed countries' protagonist's point of view.

It's also refreshing to hear dialogues in Zulu and Swahili. It's an interesting series.

AfriQa Stand Up :D

[matthewmarlonsissing · 7/10 · 28 February 2020]

If you LOVE the African continent, you will like this series. It is the first real attempt at mainstream African content on Netflix and IMO, theyve gotten of to a really good start. The dialogue is well written and engaging (the Russian monologue in EP.1 is fire!) ESP. when the African men confront the foreigners - I feel like those scenes spoke volumes! The African scenery is impeccable, catchy music, and African lingo is thrown in (the nonAfrican countries will not get it) at the right times. The series explore alot of different African countries and the inner cities, fashion, music and actors all in one season. Good start for an African series. Proud of Pearl, they chose a good lead for this one! Thank you Netflix for opening Africa to the world! <3 We hope other conglomerates will learn from you!

Solid African spy action

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 10 August 2021]

This South African series is centred on the eponymous Queen Sono; an agent working for a pan-African security service based in Johannesburg. Her job sees her and her colleagues investigating possible links between a terrorist group operating across the continent and an arms company. Sono is also looking into the murder of her mother, a hero of the fight against apartheid who was killed shortly after the end of white minority rule; she thought she knew the truth but it appears there is far more to be uncovered.

I rather enjoyed this series. It comes from a part of the world which is surprisingly underrepresented in popular entertainment. The story is good, providing plenty of excuses for action scenes. These scenes are well shot and exciting. The characters are good; most obviously Queen Sono herself; Pearl Thusi does a fine job in the role. The series makes good use of African locations; these are mostly shot where they are set rather than on sets or parts of SA that look vaguely like where they are set; a sign of the high production values. I read that the second season's production has been cancelled; if true that is a pity as it is an enjoyable series but as it stands it lacks a proper ending.

Pleasantly Surprised

[porterdesignsd · 7/10 · 20 April 2020]

I am very happy to see the diversity that Netflix is pushing with this show... it has a lot of great potential and could rival over big name titles in the genre of "geo-political espionage" shows . Looking for season two to take things to the next level!

Finish the Season

[ejc-95839 · 9/10 · 7 March 2020]

It's simple. Queen Sono is 6 episodes long (similar to season 1 of the Walking dead) and any great show that starts chaotic and moulds to objective and addictive as it progresses.

If you check all the negative reviews, all viewers could not get past episode 1 (finish it and press next). I myself was immediately put off by the unnecessary swearing and "cool" relaxed behaviour of the characters who are apparently in a serious world of intelligence and spies. However as the season progresses you will begin to understand why this show was picked up by Netflix for the world to see.

This has nothing to do with an "African show" being on Netflix. This show is simply brilliant- and it is real. It will introduce the reality of many different lives in that part of the world, where you see the everyday problems people face in South Africa; from the ordinary citizens to the ones at the top who see the bigger picture.

All this will be shown without drifting from our main character who is Queen Sono (and yes that is her name - not a title).

If you have a liking for realistic espionage (24, Homeland, The Unit, Green Zone, Seal Team etc. Then this show is for you Highly recommend.

Very diverse of different cultures of Africa with a good story

[JeffDamulira · 7/10 · 7 November 2022]

The series was giving a positive perception of Africa, but with a hint of corruption, greed and retribution. The actors and actress from different countries in Africa were really good with their performance. What sets this series apart from other series in Africa is not a one-sided type of cast, but an amalgamation of actors and actresses from powerful tribes with amazing synergy in different episodes. Although, nepotism and tribalism is a endemic problem in the continent, which makes it very difficult to have a unified film industry of different countries. Though, this series has the visual appeal of western TV series with good storyline, suspense, acting skills and a really powerful ending.

Are we for real? It's a hot mess.

[vjmatinde · 4/10 · 29 February 2020]

It's international illegal to compare this to the Black Widow! I couldn't get past episode 3! The main character is good looking has fight moves but that's just it. No conviction of why she is doing what she is doing. The storylines are all over the place. I don't fear the bad guys, I don't worry over the protagonist. We need to do better in African storytelling.

A look through a different lense

[monifaroberts · 9/10 · 6 March 2020]

I was surprised how good the series was- I expected to like it because I love the genre, but it is exceptionally good. There's meat to the convictions of the character, and as someone from north america, it so good to here and see African viewpoints. Great cast, and story lines and an excellent pace - its starts at 100 and levels off around 120.

Deja Vu

[wathando · 5/10 · 29 March 2020]

Nothing spectacular and new. Great scenes though and beautiful people

I have binge watched this series 5 times in 1 week

[lizonyango · 10/10 · 9 March 2020]

I have a full time job, a thriving social life, I sleep (maybe not enough) and yet I have binged all of season 1 five times in the last week! That's how good it is. Finally a series that tells the African story right. Great cast, amazing soundtrack, beautiful story telling and cinematography, diverse use of language and true to the continent though international audiences will enjoy! I can't wait for season 2!

Had potential to be a cool African spy series

[loevw · 6/10 · 6 June 2022]

It's such a shame that Netflix cancelled this, an entertaining series that also showcases local South African talent. And it had the potential to show scenery and city life from other parts of the continent, as seen in the pilot which started with an adventure in Zanzibar. Sure, this wasn't perfect, but it had enough interesting characters, decent action and substance to become a series I would enjoy following through all the seasons. Hope they make something else to replace it.

Style over substance

[jezzafox · 2/10 · 5 March 2020]

It looks great and has a lot of ambition but the plot lines and dialogue are woeful. It's like a cheap soap opera but with a big budget. I was hoping for so much more with the feisty main character and the sense of adventure set out in the first few scenes. However only a few minutes in and the whole thing becomes a rambling mess and loses all credibility. This is a great shame as the settings and production are really good. The acting is not terrible as some have said here but they have to contend with scripts which must have by-passed any editing process. I watched two and a bit episodes before finally pulling the plug out of exasperation. Make it better or make it go away

Interesting premise, confusing plot

[privateman-26336 · 6/10 · 16 November 2023]

I really wanted to like this series. I've gotten into South African cinema and really enjoy it. Queen Sono has excellent visual appeal, music and interesting characters. The problem for me is a disjointed, confusing plot. Everything seemed disconnected. To complicate the situation, Netflix didn't renew the series. Nothing was resolved in this series.

For some viewers the fighting scenes with Queen Sono herself might seem a little off. I thought so at first but then realized that her movements were more likely what would it would actually look like in real combat. There was no smooth over the top Hollywood style antics going on with her movements. Its hard for me to recommend this series because it left a lot on the table.

Brilliant writing!

[liabu · 10/10 · 1 March 2020]

Finally something I can relate to! I love this series. First of all, queen is an amazing fighter! But what I appreciated most is that it gives a very honest portrayal of black people. Queen has a loving, but rough and playful relationship with everyone in her life. They all fuss at Each other, but the love is always present and everlasting. She is strong, as black women are, but with one weakness: the soldier she loves. Their romance is volatile and dangerous, and I LOVE it! I watched the whole series in two days. Can't wait for season 2!

Disappointing

[samirussom-40687 · 1/10 · 29 February 2020]

Very cringy acting, they try to use offensive words or slangs to look "cool". They just try so hard, they've no acting skills. And the storyline is messed up and the fighting scenes are very very unrealistic. Indian movies got a competitor over here.

Excellent show

[lesliermccree · 10/10 · 7 March 2020]

It's about time a kick-a- black Mamba Queen was portrayed on tv to remove the stereotype of my Africa's sisters and brothers. Top notch acting and well put together cast. The show is written with passion and purpose. Waiting for season two with more than 6 episodes.

Love it.

Incredibly disappointing

[TheJohnnyMango · 3/10 · 6 March 2020]

It's fantastic that Netflix has put money into an African show, but this is very poor - and I hope it doesn't limit further investment in shows and films from the continent.

The premise of a spy battling against shadowy organisations as well as their own past isn't particularly original, but the combination of a female lead and African setting adds freshness. Pearl Thusi brings charisma and cool to the title character, some of the locations are beautiful and the opening scene is fun.

Unfortunately, things soon go wrong. Perhaps most obviously, much of the supporting cast is woeful. Lines are delivered without any life or passion (her boss is particularly dreadful) and scenes just fall flat, again and again. It doesn't help that much of the dialogue has clearly been recorded afterwards (ADR).

In fairness to the actors, the writing is largely dire. The dialogue is dull and unrealistic and the wider story is a mess. This is a particular shame as the topics covered (political insurgence in SA, corruption, modern urban life) have huge potential. The whole thing lacks focus and nothing is explored satisfactorily.

Also, at various points the inspirations are a little too obvious (Inception, Pulp Fiction), and the action scenes are, at times, laughable.

I hope future Africa productions (those made for an international audience) can build on this. There must be an incredible amount of talent, and almost limitless stories, to explore.

Film

[chijindum · 10/10 · 7 March 2020]

I cant believe the horrible reviews. Queen Sono has: Great character development. Great filming locations. Great acting.

Incoherent and disappointing

[sikhundla · 4/10 · 26 March 2020]

As a South African I'm really disappointed our filmmaking is so mideocre that will accept anything slightly better as marvelous. I had high hopes for this show but it offers nothing original and authentic, some episodes just drag on for no reason and the dialogue is terrible.

Good Action and good storyline.

[angie5578 · 9/10 · 2 March 2020]

The show has a lot of action and sheds light on corruption going on in Africa. The storyline isn't hard to follow if you actually pay attention to what's going on. The audience does know why the main character does what she does, it's VERY clear why (again if you're actually paying attention). There is some bad acting that's why I didn't give it a full 10 stars but that's expected in Netflix series and this is their FIRST season. One of the 1 star reviewers does nothing but give low ratings to movies and shows and said they skipped through the show. How can you give such a low review if you didn't actually watch it? Also, fighting scenes are NEVER realistic in action packed spy-like shows or movies like this.

Anyway it's a good show and I will be watching the seasons to come.

Oh Wow, Did we really need this?

[PsyrusKobe · 3/10 · 8 March 2020]

Production is superb but bad acting, bad story and to talk about the EXTRA's always staring at what's going on and making it so obvious.

I mean I like the productions but story counts.

Pearl Thusi is a real find ... Great show!

[jaybizman · 9/10 · 13 August 2020]

Frankly, I wasn't sure what to think of a Netflix show from South Africa, with languages used from English, Afrikaans, Zulu and perhaps Swahili ! But, no worries, the actors seems to repeat what they said in their Native dialogue - with English, in the same scene. However 'fuggetaboutit' - the aforementioned Pearl Thusi is great in the lead role of 'Queen Sono' (like a S.A. Jane Bond) - who is both beautiful and can kick major azz. Series One is short, about six episodes, and Season Two is on it's way in 2021. Well worth a watch. Don't miss this one.

Could've been better

[Mangaliso-0891 · 2/10 · 14 March 2020]

I'll start with what I loved about the show and that's the vibrancy of Africa. They portrayed Africa for what Africa is, a colorful continent. A continent with warmth and life. The political narrative also drew my attention. Everyone wants a piece of Africa, it the way of Africa is different which then creates all sorts of corruption.

What I didn't like was how the story was told. After the first 10minutes of the 1st episode I felt confused and didn't know what to feel for the protagonist because so much of her arc had been peeled within that time frame and I felt that I had the story figured out already.

The pace was also an issue for me. A lot of unnecessary dialogue which didn't contribute much to the story which ultimately cost focus on the major plot.

Technically, I felt there was not enough coverage especially on fight scenes. Acting was bad. Also the sound design could've made a difference.

Given a little more time and a proper plot structure I have no doubt it would've been better.

It develops nicely

[smithiealan · 8/10 · 1 May 2020]

I watched the first chaotic but beautifully shot episode and decided not to continue feeling it had preteritions it could not deliver . After reading reviews, and ignoring the emotionally charged negative ones, I decided to give it a second chance, and I'm glad I did.

The plot an story line develops nicely, and holds attention. The acting in particular for the Queen Sono, Katerina, Shandy, and Connie characters is convincing, and the production value is superb. South Africa seems to be developing nicely in the film making industry,

At moments it lags, but not enough to stop one viewing. Generally this is an enjoyable journey and has a level of underlying depth in the narrative that makes one think, surprisingly. Definitely worth viewing, and I look forward to the next series.

Great start then turned into a soap opera

[vovers1 · 4/10 · 11 December 2020]

The series had all the promise, a kickass lead star, a lot of local content, a plausible story line and motives. Then the writers got lost, more time was spent explaining the plot than developing it, the lead star faded to the background and the exciting mix of South Africa's indigenous flavors were cut out in favor of big guns and glossy scenes and cheap dialogue. Such a pity. It could have been great. It was very hard to hang on to the end. I would wrap this one, learn from the mistakes and come back with something new, gutsy and gritty,, there is no need to copy cheap Hollywood style.