We have seen a huge shift in gay cinema in recent years in international films like Call Me by Your Name and Moonlight; but Africa seemed to be trailing behind. Well, not anymore.
Further pushing the envelope, the film shines the light on a taboo subject of initiation schools, the controversial reason that the film has hogged headlines.
It would be a punch in the throat to tell South Africans how to feel about such a sacred part of our culture being laid bare for artistic expression. Trengove is so in-your-face about it especially in the beginning, that it leaves you terrified.
However, no matter how you feel about it, throughout the film, not once does it ever feel pointless. By the second act, it slowly becomes less exploitative as the love triangle takes centre stage.
On the technical aspect (cinematography, score, editing, sound) the film, exquisitely framed against the Eastern Cape rural landscape, is rich and flawless. What makes it even special is that it lets the character-driven and intimate screenplay shine above the rest.
Rating: 8/10
The Wound releases nationwide on Friday, 02 February.