The Sand (2018) Movie Review

The Sand Movie Review: A Beach of Screams!

Mar 19, 2025 3 min read The Sand Movie Review: A Beach of Screams! backdrop image

The hilarious-yet-horrifying 'The Sand', directed by Isaac Gabaeff, has got to be one of the most absurdly entertaining Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller films I've seen in recent years. It's not every day you stumble upon a movie that combines high stakes with beach party vibes—yet here we are with this unique movie review.

Picture this: after a wild graduation beach party, a group of twenty-somethings wake up to not only their hangovers but a killer coastline that’s literally out for blood. The sand is alive, folks, and it’s hungry for anyone daring enough to touch it. It’s like a sinister game of 'The Floor Is Lava,' but with more shrieking. Themes of survival are front and center, but they come wrapped in a bizarrely comedic package. The plot is as outlandish as it sounds, embroiled in enough tension and silliness to keep you guessing—and maybe even clutching your sides from laughter.

Now, let's talk about the ensemble, shall we? With Brooke Butler, Cleo Berry, and several others leading the charge, you get performances that range from downright goofy to surprisingly heartfelt. You can feel the actors trying to have fun with their roles, crafting an infectious energy that bleeds through the screen. Isaac Gabaeff keeps the direction tight, albeit with a few questionable calls—like, did we need that many close-ups of panicked faces? The screenplay by Alex Greenfield and Ben Powell might not win any awards, but it deserves credit for bringing ludicrous freshness to a festival of sand shenanigans. And speaking of cinematography—how did they make the sand look THAT threatening?

Lovers of hybrid genre flicks might find themselves comparing 'The Sand' to cult classics like 'Tremors' or 'Sharknado.' While it doesn't reach the cinematic greatness of, say, 'Shaun of the Dead', it certainly tries. This film might not hold its weight against some of the best horror-comedy movies, but its attempt at embracing its niche wildness is something. It's like a love letter to outrageously bad sci-fi thrillers wrapped around a sun-soaked anomaly.

So, should you hit play or avoid getting sand in your streaming device? If you’re into horror-comedy or just want a new beach-themed, mind-bending ride, then grab your popcorn—this movie is a must-watch! If nothing else, 'The Sand' offers a goofy escape and a fun topic for your next party icebreaker. Happy watching!