[9] It was selected as the South African entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards,[10][11] making the December shortlist.

In addition to serving as a mentor to the initiates, Xolani looks forward to the event as it provides him the opportunity to reestablish his sexual and romantic relationship with Vija.

The website's critical consensus reads, "The Wound uses its complex, timely story as effective grist for a thought-provoking exploration of the human dynamic.

"[20] Metacritic gives the film a weighted average score of 80 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

However, other media covering the same topic, like Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom, have not received similar criticism, leading to accusations that complaints about the film are instead motivated by homophobia.

Nu Metro Cinemas subsequently cancelled screenings countrywide, while Ster-Kinekor continued to show it outside of the Eastern Cape.