Sandcastle (film)

Sandcastle is a 2017 American war drama film directed by Fernando Coimbra and written by Chris Roessner. The film is based on Roessner's own experiences as a rifleman in the Iraq War.

The plot follows Matt Ocre (Nicholas Hoult), a young American soldier who is thrust into the chaos of the Iraq War shortly after the initial invasion. Lacking enthusiasm for the conflict, Ocre attempts to injure himself to be sent home but is unsuccessful. He is assigned to a unit tasked with repairing a crucial water pumping station in a dangerous and hostile Sunni village called Baqubah.

The film explores the moral complexities and human cost of the war, as Ocre and his fellow soldiers grapple with their mission, the local population, and the ever-present threat of violence. It highlights the cultural misunderstandings, the ambiguity of the enemy, and the psychological toll on those involved. Alongside Ocre, the film features Sergeant Harper (Logan Marshall-Green), the battle-hardened leader of the unit, and other soldiers who struggle to adapt to the realities of war.

Sandcastle received mixed reviews, with critics praising its realistic portrayal of the war and its focus on the human element, but also criticizing its pacing and lack of a clear narrative focus. It was released on Netflix on April 21, 2017.