A NEW drama titled Strings Attached, which dives deep into the dark side of love, premieres tonight at 8pm on Mzansi Magic, available on DStv Channel 161.
The drama explores love and psychological mind games, examining how even the most unlikely person can become trapped in a cycle of manipulation and control.
Produced by Ray Content Hub and directed by Nthabi Tau, the series unpacks the complexities of emotional and psychological manipulation in romantic relationships.
The show stars Rosemary Zimu as Lethabo, the breadwinner of her family who believes she has finally found her chance at love.
However, her life takes a dark turn when she meets mysterious businessman Xolani, played by Melusi Mbhele. At first, Xolani appears to offer Lethabo everything she desires. Yet behind the charm and generosity lies a dangerous dynamic, as what begins like a fairytale soon spirals into something far more ominous.
Director of local entertainment channels at MultiChoice, Shirley Adonisi, said Strings Attached was a bold story reflecting realities faced by many South Africans.
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“As a channel, this is one of those shows that illustrates our commitment to telling stories that not only entertain but also shine a light on the often-overlooked dynamics of psychological and emotional manipulation,” Adonisi said.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the drama, Adonisi said the series was born out of curiosity about how love and control can sometimes coexist.
“I was drawn to the idea that not all relationships that look romantic on the surface are safe underneath. In many ways, the show explores the quiet, often unspoken dynamics of emotional dependency. We wanted to tell a story that feels intimate and recognisable, but also unsettling in how it unfolds,” she said.
On balancing romance and tension without glamourising the toxic aspects of the central relationship, Adonisi said the approach was deliberate from the beginning.
“The goal was never to present toxicity as desirable, but to show how it can feel desirable in the moment.
“We leaned into perspective, allowing the audience to experience the emotional pull of the relationship while gradually revealing the cracks. We wanted viewers to question their own reactions — why does this feel good and why does it also feel wrong?
“So instead of glamourising the toxic dynamic, we invite the audience to sit inside it and recognise its complexity,” she said.
Commenting on how important the cast chemistry is to the success of the drama, Adonisi said the story lived and died on the connection between the characters.
“The actors needed to create something that felt believable enough to draw the audience in, but layered enough to carry the tension underneath.
“What made it work is that the chemistry was not just about attraction. It was about energy. There is push and pull, a sense of curiosity, power and vulnerability. The cast really understood the emotional language of the show and that allowed even small moments to carry weight,” she said.
Adonisi hopes that Strings Attached will spark conversations about emotional boundaries, self-worth and how love is defined.
“I think many viewers will see parts of themselves in these characters and hopefully it encourages honest conversations about the kinds of relationships we enter,” she said.
Reflecting on the production process, Adonisi said one of the most powerful aspects of the project was recognising that the series gave a voice to women whose stories were often untold.
“As a crew, the lessons and conversations surrounding this topic will stay with me for a very long time.
“This was more than just a shoot; it was a lesson in humanity and how the human spirit can overcome. Some of the most powerful moments came from stillness, which reinforced for me that this story does not need to be loud to be intense,” she said.