The Harvesters
The Harvesters

Movie spotlight

The Harvesters

2018
Movie
107 min
Afrikaans

South Africa, Free State region, isolated stronghold to the Afrikaans white ethnic minority culture. In this conservative farming territory obsessed with strength and masculinity, Janno is different, secretive, emotionally frail. One day his mother, fiercely religious, brings home Pieter, a hardened street orphan she wants to save, and asks Janno to make this stranger into his brother. The two boys start a fight for power, heritage and parental love.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users85%
Director: Etienne KallosGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a remote, isolated Afrikaner community in South Africa, a young man grapples with his burgeoning sexuality and his complicated relationship with his domineering father. As he navigates the strict patriarchal traditions and religious fervor of his upbringing, he begins to question the future laid out for him. The film explores themes of repression, tradition, and the struggle for self-discovery.

Critical Reception

The Harvesters received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric direction, strong performances, and unflinching exploration of its themes. While some found its slow pace challenging, many appreciated its artistic merit and its sensitive portrayal of a seldom-seen community and its internal conflicts.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of repression and desire.

  • Features compelling performances, particularly from the young lead.

  • A contemplative and intense character study set against a stark landscape.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's artistic filmmaking and the raw, emotional performances. Many found the story to be thought-provoking and impactful, though some noted its slow pacing and challenging subject matter.

Awards & Accolades

Screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the Karoo region of South Africa, known for its arid landscapes and harsh beauty, which contributed significantly to the film's visual style and atmosphere.

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