Watch The Wound

The Wound is a powerful and intense drama film set in South Africa, which explores the topic of initiation rituals in the Xhosa culture. Directed by John Trengove, the film was released in 2017 and stars Nakhane Touré, Bongile Mantsai, and Niza Jay. The story centers around a young city boy named Kwanda (Niza Jay) who travels to the rural Eastern Cape to undergo the traditional circumcision ritual called Ulwaluko. His presence as an openly gay man immediately generates tension and conflict among the other initiates and their mentors. Among them is Xolani (Nakhane Touré), a factory worker who returns to the mountain every year to act as a caregiver to the young men undergoing the ritual. Xolani is already struggling with internal conflicts of his own, which only intensify as he becomes more involved with Kwanda.

Bongile Mantsai portrays Vija, Xolani's friend and fellow caregiver, who has a history with Xolani that goes beyond the limits of their job. As the days go by, tensions between the three men continue to mount, exposing deep-seated cultural beliefs on masculinity, sexuality, and violence.

The Wound is a hauntingly beautiful film that delves into some of the most pressing issues of modern-day South Africa. As much a coming-of-age story as an exploration of cultural identity, the film centers on the emotionally charged tension between the three main characters. Throughout the film, there is a pervasive sense of isolation – both physical and emotional – as well as the possibility for tenderness and deep connection.

The cinematography of The Wound is striking in its rawness, capturing the harsh yet breathtaking beauty of the rural landscape where the ritual takes place. The camera lingers on the faces of the initiates, capturing their expressions of pain and discomfort without ever exploiting their vulnerability. At the same time, it manages to be remarkably intimate, showing us the subtle body language of the characters and the unspoken words between them.

The performances of the three actors are nothing short of remarkable. Nakhane Touré gives a nuanced and layered performance as Xolani, conveying the quiet, internal struggles of his character with subtlety and restraint. Bongile Mantsai is equally impressive, bringing an intensity and emotional depth to his portrayal of Vija. The newcomer Niza Jay, in his first-ever film role, lends a freshness and authenticity to his portrayal of Kwanda, infusing the character with a fearless determination and vulnerability.

What makes The Wound such a powerful film is its unflinching portrayal of a complex and multi-faceted culture. The film is not interested in making caricatures out of its characters, but instead seeks to explore the emotional and psychological effects of a longstanding cultural practice. By the end of the film, we are left with a sense of the complexity and nuance of South African culture, as well as the work that still needs to be done to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

Overall, The Wound is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that demands attention. It is a remarkable achievement in both storytelling and filmmaking, and a testament to the power of cinema to explore complex and pressing social issues. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of African culture, as well as the human struggle for identity and belonging.

The Wound is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 80.