Watch Kafou

Kafou is a 2017 Haitian crime-comedy directed by Bruno Mourral which tells the story of Doc and Zoe, two struggling taxi drivers who turn to the dangerous world of organized crime in order to make ends meet. The movie takes place in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, which is portrayed as a bustling and chaotic metropolis rife with poverty, corruption, and violence.

The two main protagonists of Kafou are played by Jasmuel Andri and Rolapthon Mercure, who deliver convincing performances as Doc and Zoe respectively. Doc is a loud-mouthed and street-smart hustler who dreams of becoming a famous singer, while Zoe is his more reserved and cautious partner who is struggling to pay for his mother's medical bills. Together, they navigate the treacherous world of the Haitian underworld, which is controlled by a powerful and enigmatic figure known only as 'The Boss'.

One of the strengths of Kafou is its depiction of Haiti as a complex and multifaceted society, with vibrant street markets, colorful festivals, and a rich cultural heritage. However, the film does not shy away from portraying the darker side of Haitian society, such as police brutality, mob violence, and political corruption. The cinematography is gritty and raw, capturing the chaotic energy of Port-au-Prince with handheld cameras and dynamic tracking shots.

The plot of Kafou is fast-paced and unpredictable, with several twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. The story begins with Doc and Zoe driving a wealthy American tourist to a remote location, but things quickly go awry when their car breaks down and they are forced to seek help from a group of gangsters. This sets off a chain of events that leads them deeper and deeper into the world of organized crime, as they become involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.

Along the way, Doc and Zoe encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a voodoo priestess, a flamboyant drag queen, and a corrupt police officer. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with plenty of humor and banter between the two main characters. There are also several musical interludes, featuring both traditional Haitian folk music and contemporary rap and hip-hop.

Despite its many strengths, Kafou is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The film also lacks a clear message or moral lesson, which may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, some of the violence and sexual content may be disturbing or offensive to some viewers, so discretion is advised.

Overall, Kafou is a well-crafted and entertaining crime-thriller with a distinctly Haitian flavor. Despite its low budget and relatively unknown cast, the film manages to create a vivid and immersive world that feels authentic and engaging. Fans of international cinema, crime-thrillers, and Haitian culture will find much to enjoy in this gritty and unpredictable film.

Kafou is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.