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The Sand Castle

  • 2024
  • TV-14
  • 1h 38m
IMDb RATING
4.7/10
1.8K
YOUR RATING
Riman Al Rafeea, Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, and Zain Al Rafeea in The Sand Castle (2024)
A family of four is stuck on an idyllic island that hides a shocking reality.
Play trailer1:58
1 Video
99+ Photos
Psychological DramaPsychological ThrillerSurvivalTragedyDramaFantasyMysteryThriller

A family of four is stuck on an idyllic island that hides a shocking reality.A family of four is stuck on an idyllic island that hides a shocking reality.A family of four is stuck on an idyllic island that hides a shocking reality.

  • Director
    • Matty Brown
  • Writers
    • Matty Brown
    • Hend Fakhroo
    • Yassmina Karajah
  • Stars
    • Nadine Labaki
    • Ziad Bakri
    • Riman Al Rafeea
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.7/10
    1.8K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Matty Brown
    • Writers
      • Matty Brown
      • Hend Fakhroo
      • Yassmina Karajah
    • Stars
      • Nadine Labaki
      • Ziad Bakri
      • Riman Al Rafeea
    • 60User reviews
    • 50Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:58
    Official Trailer

    Photos139

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    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 134
    View Poster

    Top cast4

    Edit
    Nadine Labaki
    Nadine Labaki
    • Yasmine
    Ziad Bakri
    Ziad Bakri
    • Nabil
    Riman Al Rafeea
    • Jana
    Zain Al Rafeea
    Zain Al Rafeea
    • Adam
    • Director
      • Matty Brown
    • Writers
      • Matty Brown
      • Hend Fakhroo
      • Yassmina Karajah
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews60

    4.71.8K
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    Featured reviews

    baal-p3or

    You guys are missing the point

    I cannot lie, it's not the best film I have ever seen in my life, but I feel that is necessary. The message that it sends is really important and I feel that people here saying it's not worth it are talking through their priviledge. As I said, it's not the best out there but not the worst either, I personally like slow burn stories so I enjoyed this one, but it's true that the storyline develops really slowly. I really liked the photography too, I liked the colors and the angles, and I think that they are weel thought so they can add to the story. At first I was thinking that the plot would take one way but I was completely wrong, and in the end it leaves you with a deep message. I'm pretty sad that people don't think about this film with the context of it incorporated because I feel that's the most important part. For me, it's a pretty enterntaining watch!
    8microp-04721

    kept me watching

    I gave this movie an 8, not because it is a good movie ( it wasnt actually bad) but because it kept me and my wife wondering what will happen eventually to the family. Any movie that glues me to my seat wondering what the end will be, in my book, is a movie worth seeing.

    There were instances when i wondered where did they get this and that and how did some one die because it was not clear how. But quickly dismissed it for the sake of seeing what will happen next. I will not reveal what happens at the end. My wife felt it was a bit depressing cause the film was close to water and she always is afraid of water. To me i actually enjoyed it.
    9husneshabnamconnect

    Sand Castle: Cinema for Those Who Dare to Think

    Sand Castle is not just a movie; it's a mirror to the chaos of our times. It boldly explores the futility of power games and reminds us that nature is the ultimate force. This is not a film that's going to spoon-feed you answers-it demands you to think, to reflect, and to bring your own life experiences into its narrative.

    The cast is phenomenal, the writing gutsy, and the cinematic experience unforgettable. If you're expecting mindless entertainment, look elsewhere. But if you value a movie that challenges your perspective and lingers in your thoughts, Sand Castle is a must-watch. For those leaving shallow reviews-perhaps start by reactivating your brain.
    8kusnati

    Surreal Restively

    The movie packed uncommonly. It's not intended for commoners. It need special knowledge and composure to understand the message of the overall story.

    It's like spotting mirage in the middle of dessert. Full of mystery, surreal and tragically heartbreaking in the end. Very unusual way to send the message but I completely understand after final watching the movie.

    Very nice movie and touching.

    The storyline is running slow. But, don't worry. It meant to be. At first, I feel worry and dread while guessing what was happening back then, why it's happened like that, when it happened.

    This is how you can find your empathy what was happening in the real world.
    8romancastlesoap

    Psychological, Moving, Symbolic

    Forced to disconnect from reality because the mind can no longer handle the situation. Entering an alternative within that broken mind, one that is so confused and scattered...is one's only escape from the pain and torment. Some of us have lived through that. It's like a body that goes into shock, and so does the mind when you have a nervous breakdown. The mind looks for ways to sever from the body to preserve life and ease the pain so one can survive. You feel you are drowning or treading water, but sometimes you see a light because there is internal intervention, via angels or other guardian beings.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Prior to principal photography, the entire cast, producers and crew spent two days cleaning up the island from general waste, glass and plastic bottles returning it to its pristine state. The move was hailed by the local fishermen and local authorities.
    • Quotes

      Jana: This is my land. Our paradise. Hidden from everyone. It doesn't know we're here.

    • Connections
      Features Capernaum (2018)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 24, 2025 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Lebanon
      • United Arab Emirates
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Netflix
    • Language
      • Arabic
    • Also known as
      • El castillo de arena
    • Filming locations
      • Palm Island Nature Reserve. Mina, Tripoli District, North Governorate, Lebanon(Rabbit Island)
    • Production companies
      • Front Row Filmed Entertainment
      • Empire Entertainment
      • Houston King Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 38m(98 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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