Wild is the Wind (2022) – A film Review by Mpilonhle Makhaye

 

Aibo! Put on your reading glasses. You know your eyes are bad...

Let’s face it, when a film is called Wild is the Wind, you expect to see a horse galloping into the sunset, or maybe a cowboy dramatically removing his hat while a violin cries in the background but nope, this one is for something else entirely. This 2022 South African crime thriller trades cowboy hats for corruption and sunsets for moral grey zones. Spoiler alert, the only thing truly wild here is the justice system.

Directed by Fabian Medea and produced by Gambit Films (Yes! The same guys behind Blood & Water). Wild is the Wind drops us into the middle of a small-town murder investigation that spirals into something far more unsettling. Two police, one white and one black take on the case of a young black woman found dead, only to uncover layers of racism, community tension and institutional rot.

Direction and Performance, Fabian Medea doesn’t mess around. He crafts a mood that’s thick with tension and moral unease. This isn’t your fast-paced detective flick, Oh No…this is the kind of story that simmers where every silence between two characters says more than five minutes monologues. Medea’s direction is confident and unhurried, letting scenes breathe and sometimes sweat.

Mothusi Magano absolutely owns his role as the conflicted detective. He carries a world-weariness that makes you believe every bad his character makes rooted in something deeper. Frank Rautenbach brings a rough, edgy energy that complements Magano perfectly. Their on-screen chemistry feels honest, uncomfortable and completely real, like two people who trust each other just enough to get the job done but not enough to sleep easy at night.

Visually, Wild Is the Wind is amazing. The cinematography leans into dusty backroads, worn-out buildings, and wide shots that make you feel how isolated and forgotten this town really is. You can practically feel the heat pressing down on the characters and not just from the sun. It’s the kind of visual storytelling that doesn’t just show you the world; it makes you feel stuck in it.

Props to the makeup and costume department, too. There’s no Hollywood sheen here just tired faces, bloodshot eyes, and sweat-stained clothes. Everyone looks like they’ve lived through some stuff… and are still living through more of it.

Now let’s talk pace. Wild Is the Wind takes its time. Sometimes a little too much time. There are moments where you’ll wish it would pick up the pace or trim a scene or two. But at the same time, the slow burn adds to the oppressive atmosphere. It’s not a flaw more like a stylistic choice that won’t be for everyone.

Wild Is the Wind is a gutsy, grounded film that dives into the messy business of race, power, and personal responsibility. It’s not flashy or fast, but it is thoughtful, raw, and deeply human. If you’re into moody, character-driven crime dramas with a social punch, this one’s worth a watch maybe even a rewatch.

Bring snacks, bring patience, and bring your moral compass. it’s going to get a little shaky.

 

Rating 7.3/10