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Action adventure film

Sew the Winter to My Skin (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Sew the Winter to My Skin (2018) movie poster

Sew the Winter to My Skin is a 2018 action adventure film directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, starring Peter Kurth as Botha, Antoinette Louw and Bongile Mantsai. It runs 2 hours 12 minutes and earned $5,126 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 68/100.

worldwide gross
$5.1K
Echo Score
68
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Sew the Winter to My Skin (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 12m (132 min)
Genres
Action , Adventure
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sew the Winter to My Skin About?

The premise of Sew the Winter to My Skin without spoilers.

Set in rural South Africa’s Great-Karoo region in the 1950s, this epic film chronicles the story of John Kepe, an outlaw who steals livestock from white settler farmers. His actions terrorize the community for over a decade, leading General Botha to launch a massive manhunt. While considered a criminal by some, Kepe becomes a folk hero among the marginalized indigenous population, whose legends transform his deeds into a challenge to the existing colonial order. The film explores the impact of colonial displacement and its role in shaping pre-Apartheid South Africa.

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Cast & crew

Sew the Winter to My Skin Cast & Characters

Peter Kurth leads the cast as Botha, with Antoinette Louw as Mrs. Botha and Bongile Mantsai as Fearless the Rabble Rouser. Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka; 14 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sew the Winter to My Skin

· 10 more
From the director

More from Jahmil X.T. Qubeka

More films directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka: The Queenstown Kings, You’re My Favourite Place, Knuckle City and Of Good Report.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sew the Winter to My Skin Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in character & emotion (45).

68 /100

Sew the Winter to My Skin Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Sew the Winter to My Skin delivers striking visual artistry but is hampered by uneven storytelling and underdeveloped characters. Critics and many viewers applaud its cinematography, production design, and atmospheric soundtrack, describing the film as a sensory showcase. Conversely, several reviewers point to a fragmented narrative, confusing chronology, and shallow character portrayals that diminish emotional impact. This mix of high artistic merit and narrative shortcomings results in a moderately positive reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in visual composition and production design. Critics repeatedly note its striking cinematography and beautifully rendered South African landscapes, while users highlight the “visual eyecandy” and impressive set styling. Some reviewers, however, suggest the focus on aesthetics can eclipse narrative clarity. Overall, the artistic execution is a notable strength.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film presents uneven depth. Critics remark that the emphasis on visual style often robs characters of nuance, and users criticize the caricatured portrayals of colonial figures and limited emotional resonance. A few reviewers note moments of an emotional journey, but the overall character development is considered weak.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story and flow of Sew the Winter to My Skin divide opinion. Supporters praise its mythic premise and suspenseful thriller elements, describing it as an engaging, meditative western. Detractors, however, point to a fragmented, non‑linear structure, confusing chronology, and a script that at times feels lazy. Consequently, narrative cohesion is seen as inconsistent.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory experience stands out as a consistent highlight. Critics commend the film’s rich visual palette, hypnotic rhythms, and effective use of sound design to convey narrative without dialogue. Users echo this sentiment, noting the striking cinematography, vivid natural scenery, and a compelling soundtrack. While a few mention uneven sound effects, the overall sensory impact is largely positive.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The rewatch factor is moderate, reflecting both intrigue and fatigue. Some viewers, attracted by the film’s visual allure and atmospheric soundtrack, express a desire to experience it again, as reflected in high user ratings. Conversely, critics and other users find the demanding structure and limited character depth make subsequent viewings challenging, resulting in mixed rewatch appeal.

Box office

Sew the Winter to My Skin Box Office

Sew the Winter to My Skin grossed $5,126 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$5.1K

International
$5.1K
Videos

Sew the Winter to My Skin Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sew the Winter to My Skin.

SEW THE WINTER TO MY SKIN Trailer | TIFF 2018
Details

Sew the Winter to My Skin Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “피부에 스며드는 겨울” and “缝冬吾肤”.

Also known as
  • 피부에 스며드는 겨울
  • 缝冬吾肤
  • Пришей зиму к моей коже

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FAQ

Sew the Winter to My Skin FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Sew the Winter to My Skin, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sew the Winter to My Skin?

Sew the Winter to My Skin runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).

When was Sew the Winter to My Skin released?

Sew the Winter to My Skin was released on September 8, 2018.

Who directed Sew the Winter to My Skin?

Sew the Winter to My Skin was directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka.

More films by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka

Who is in the cast of Sew the Winter to My Skin?

Sew the Winter to My Skin stars Peter Kurth as Botha, Antoinette Louw as Mrs. Botha and Bongile Mantsai as Fearless the Rabble Rouser, among 14 credited actors.

How much did Sew the Winter to My Skin make at the box office?

Sew the Winter to My Skin grossed $5,126 worldwide.

Does Sew the Winter to My Skin have a post-credit scene?

No. Sew the Winter to My Skin has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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