User reviews

I saw an article on The Guardian about the very first Zimbabwean film on Netflix. I like a bit of fluffy romcom from time to time, and it's Netflix that got me into them with the Christmas Prince films, so decided I'd give this one a go. This is a romcom, so complaining that it's relatively predictable misses the point. Of course it's predictable - right down to the main characters being cooks/chefs which is so common in these films! - but it's also charming. The actors who play Anesu and Prince have good chemistry, the son is sweet and the sassy best friend is a romcom standard but she's great. Of course it isn't perfect, and it's obviously been made on the smell of an oily rag. But within the limited budget it's done very well, and the fact they were able to use the actual set of the Zimbabwean cooking show they're competing on in the film was a definite bonus. Lastly there are a few subplots that aren't as fleshed out as the could be - the relationship between Anesu and her mum is strained for most of the movie and resolved without any real discussion, and the storyline with Milly Ann sort of just ends. An extra five minutes explaining these two elements would have lifted this film even more. Overall this is an enjoyable film. All the normal romcom tropes are here, but clearly done through a different lens to our Western primarily English-speaking film industries. If you like romcoms but want to see something other than the normal white faces in smalltown USA, this is worth your time.

I am usually not enthusiastic to watch African movies, their scripts are usually unrealistic and their acting poor. However, i really enjoyed this movie; despite my initial doubt. The script is good and original, most the actors did well too.

Cook Off is Zimbabwe's first ever flick on Netflix and it was a breath of fresh air. The cast was impeccable and did a marvelous job executing a heart warming and well crafted story. And to believe that it was shot and produced for less than $10000 makes it even more accomplished. Enjoyed it!

I had high hopes starting this movie, since I was charmed by the storyline and visuals. I love the fact that it's not you typical Hollywood movie. That aside, it was just one big amateuristic mess.

I felt like I was watching a movie made by a first grader. Poor script, poor direction, poor acting, I could go on. They took every single cliché from a romcom and smashed them together into this storyline, making it confusing and cheesy.

Honestly, it was so bad, that we had so much fun laughing at it. Definitely recommend. Our favourite quote: ´break an egg!'

I stumbled across this movie on Netflix, and thought I would give it a try. Low budget, but well performed and great to see a Zimbabwean movie on UK TV. Looking forward to seeing more from this team.

I wanted to like the movie but it was awful. It's like a patchwork of all the 1990s Americans romantic comedies. It was cringeworthy. Not a lot of Zimbabwean movies on Netflix, it's sad that it had to be my first impression of a Zimbabwean movies. It's a movie about nothing, no depth to the characters, nothing. Some of the scenes didn't make much sense and went on for longer than necessary. I wonder if they had to meet some sort of censorship criteria because from what I hear life would not be that easy for a single mother doing a menial job in Zimbabwe and it would be a big deal to lose the job.

Trailer seemed promising on Netflix and the early parts of the movie was good.

However the actual competition itself was horrible - the acting, if that's Zimbabwe's best professional chefs then I would hate to see the amateurs.

Acting at times was wooden and cringy to watch.

Needs more seasoning.

I discovered this movie on Netflix Australia the other night after scrolling, scrolling, scrolling...ooh - wait a minute - did I just find a movie from Zimbabwe? Wow - never seen one. Well I'm so glad I dived in, because it was a treat!

There was some great acting, some popping chemistry between Anesu and her swooney suitor, lots of laughs - and I must mention the fantastic music tracks - I wrote them all down so I can explore later!

'Cook Off' gives us a rare glimpse into life in Zimbabwe - or life in a Zimbabwean film I guess, whatever - because in that glimpse, of course, we see the same funny, silly, cranky, sweet, scared, spunky humans doing their thing, having their dramas, loves and laughs - just like all over this tiny, spinning globe we're clinging on to.

Meanwhile, I'm really looking forward to the next Zimbabwean film.

Watched this purely because it's a Zimbabwean film!

Cheap as chips but you can tell they made every cent stretch. And it was just wonderful to hear the accents, Shona, mbira music and bird song in the background.

The actors are fully committed; there's some lovely friendships depicted and inter-generational support. I don't even like cooking but I really enjoyed this!

For a Zimbabwean movie, I am impressed with the production, the script, the site and content! I loved the energy of the actors and the synergy of "Old timers" in the Zimbabwean film industry and the New Kids on the block!

Well Done!

Movie was as lovely as l imagined it to be😊. The actors especially Tendaiishe Chitima is so seasoned and has made her mark beautifully. The cook off was just as good as the Masterchef, would have loved to see the dishes up close but the suspense and the build up was equivalent to that of world renowned cook shows. Kudos to the actors, look forward to more amazing things from them.

This is a beautiful story. The lead character is absolutely gorgeous and did an excellent job. Supporting cast was wonderful too. Love watching the landscape of Harare, the music score was brilliantly selected.

I am happy for my country as it is now producing quality movies that are now qualifying on the international movie channel.

well done, I loved the film,considering having been done with a low budget it was still epic.

well done ,we are waiting for new zimbabwean films like this

#supportlocalcontent #zimflix #zimbabwefilms #zimbabwemovies

Very engaging and well acted. Brilliant to see films like this coming from Zimbabwe. I watched it again with my family who enjoyed it.

Don't let the low budget put you off! A really hopeful story, crisp script. Quality acting and food - a winning combination!

Watched this romantic comedy with our young grandchildren. They loved it! We were held in suspense to the end. Great acting.Hope to see more of the cast in future; some real talent.

The story, the actors, the pace, the music-a delight from start to finish. I watched it again for the acting (oh what smiles) and the music and the feel-good uplifting quality.

This is a warm vibrant taste of Zimbabwe. A delightful romcom with some outstanding performances. It is a low budget movie with a difference: wonderful camera work and a great soundtrack - the music featured is from different genres and all from Zimbabwean musicians. For anyone looking for a heartwarming feel good movie this is for you!

Anesu was a blessed cook, but lacked the tools to polish her skills. A gentle nudge by her son was that trigger for her to jump the ship and learn to float in the world of competitive cooking. Friends along the way helped her too. African background makes this story even more closer to real life, in my view. The end of story with mother daughter bonding was a well thought out conclusion.

Fun, delightful film made on a very shoestring budget, but with great results! Really enjoy the simple story line.. The acting is sweet, her best friend steels the scene when she appears! During these days of stay at home, it was a relief to find, heartwarming and simple with a very nice message to not give up. Yes, the reviewer who gave it a 1 had some points, but watch the movie with not a so critical eye. If you are relaxing at home during these Covid times, it is a nice change from shoot em up and scif and zombies!

This film is a delight. It's warm and kind and feel-good, without being soppy or silly or overly romantic. It felt so fresh and authentic - helped, no doubt, by the fact it's a truly Zimbabwean film, not just a film about Zimbabwe. The basic premise is that of a single mum who is entered by her son into a nationwide, televised cooking competition. The other contestants are all snooty professionals and she feels in over her head... I am not a fan of romcoms, in general - or of overly optimistic triumph-against-the-odds type fantasies - but this film was raw and realistic enough to overcome my cynicism. It made me cry, in a good way, and left me with a smile on my face. Delicious.

I love African movies like this; nothing to do with the usual doom and gloom. I usually avoid romantic comedies but this was worth the watch, I guess the cooking competition reeled me in as I am a sucker for those, lol. I love the chemistry between the two leads and the supporting characters are a blast to watch. Most impressive though is that if you're from Zimbabwe, you will notice every character on screen is a who's who of Zimbabwean entertainment! I cannot imagine how it must've been trying to wrangle all those personalities. This is a great film and I can't wait to see more from this team.

I found this movie on Netflix UK and the first thing that caught my attention was that it's a film from Zimbabwe! I must be honest and admit straightaway that I've never watched a movie from such country and needless to say I was pretty impressed! Let's start by saying that I absolutely loved the movie. I liked what the producers did when representing the hardships of the struggling class but added a light-hearted touch to it, really hammering down the message that social class has nothing to do with success... it's all about attitude and believing in yourself, which is a message lacking in most big budget Hollywood productions. I love what they did with Anesu... what a main character! Never gives up and always smiling, no matter what. I found Cook Off to have a genuine, true to life story line, accompanied by brilliant performances. I can't wait to see more Zimbabwean films in Netflix UK.

I loved this film. Enjoyed the moving storyline, which had great humour throughout. Fantastic actors and lovely music. Highly recommend this film. Watched it a second time with friends and enjoyed it very much again.