Nêrens, Noord-Kaap

Widowed farmer Lourens Adendorff (Frank Opperman) is the patriarch and boss of the vast waste of Nêrens, not that you’ll ever really catch him with his nose outside that old stone house since his wife, Katja, died 20 years ago. “Lourens is depressed and obstinate. His relationship with his three sons has crumbled, and he doesn’t know how to repair it,” says Frank.

Bachelor and eldest son Frans Adendorff (Geon Nel) is the farm’s manager, but he keeps communications with dear old dad to a bare minimum. “Frans is a farmer in the blood and bone, but he feels as if he’s missed out on a lot in life,” says Geon. “He often doesn’t have a grip on distinguishing between dreams and reality.” Life’s harshest blows have nearly snuffed out all his hope.

Youngest son Andries Adendorff (De Klerk Oelofse) was his mother’s shadow, and the two had big dreams of traveling the world. “Andries packed his bags after school and he and his father have since drifted apart completely. “Much like his two brothers, he hasn’t overcome his mom’s death and he’s been trying to heal his wounds through his wanderings,” says De Klerk.

Mother figure Maggie Buys (Ilse Klink) holds the fort at the farm house. “She promised Katja on her deathbed that she’d watch over her family, but in the process she has neglected her own family,” reveals Ilse. “She is loving and has a good relationship with the boys. She knows a whole lot more about the boys’ doings than their father does. Maggie is strict and even keeps a wary eye on Lourens.”