Sand Castle 2017
Directed by
Fernando Coimbra
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Sand Castle (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
At the outset of the 2003 Iraq War, Pvt. Matt Ocre, a young civil affairs soldier in the Army Reserves, desperately slams his hand in a Humvee door in hopes of being sent back home. Through narration, we learn that he enlisted in July 2001 for college funds. However, his scheme fails, leaving him with a cast on his arm until it is finally removed just in time for deployment to Baghdad. During combat, Ocre spots a sniper, leading to Sergeant Dylan Chutsky calling for a helicopter strike that obliterates the sniper’s location.
As the story progresses, we see that Ocre’s unit has the mission of fixing a malfunctioning water system in the perilous village of Baqubah. Upon arrival, they meet with a Special Forces team led by Cpt. Syverson, who introduces their interpreter and outlines the plan to transport water from a pump station daily. At the station, Army engineers indicate that repairs will take several weeks, but they can expedite progress if the locals pitch in. They inform the villagers that they will pay for labor, yet when the next morning rolls around, no locals show up to help. With no volunteers available, the soldiers are compelled to assist the engineers themselves.
On one of their return trips, they encounter a vehicle racing toward them. After stopping and questioning the driver, they discover he is rushing his young daughter to a nearby village for medicine. Later, during another journey, the squad comes under fire from several insurgents, which leads to chaos and tension as they scramble to protect themselves.
As events unfold, they finally obtain support from Kadeer, the local school administrator, played by Navid Negahban, who is in dire need of water to keep the school operational. This partnership results in improved progress at the pump station. Yet, one fateful morning, when none of the Iraqi workers appear, the team returns to the village to discover Kadeer’s body, gruesomely burned and tied to a stake in the schoolyard. Kadeer’s brother, Arif, informs Syverson of where the insurgents meet, prompting a swift plan to launch a night attack.
The operation proves successful, resulting in several enemy casualties and captures, but it comes at a cost: Cpl. Enzo and Sgt. Burton sustain injuries that necessitate helicopter evacuation. Work resumes on the pump station with Arif rallying a crew of local laborers. However, tragedy strikes again when an IED, planted by a worker in a suicide bombing, detonates at the station, resulting in the destruction of their efforts and multiple fatalities among both Americans and Iraqis.
Eventually, Ocre and Harper return to their base in Baghdad. Harper gets a three-week leave, while Ocre learns he is due to go home. Although he protests, his wishes are overridden. As the day unfolds, he is escorted to the airfield by Harper and Sgm. MacGregor (played by Tommy Flanagan). After a brief exchange about the day ahead, he boards the plane, leaving behind the chaos of war.
Timeline
Track the key events of Sand Castle (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Enlistment for College Funds
Pvt. Matt Ocre enlists in the Army Reserves in July 2001, motivated by the desire to fund his college education. Unbeknownst to him, this decision will lead him into the heart of conflict just two years later.
Deployment to Baghdad
After enduring a self-inflicted injury that results in a cast on his arm, Ocre's injury heals just in time for deployment. He arrives in Baghdad amid the tumult of the 2003 Iraq War.
Engagement with a Sniper
During a combat engagement, Ocre identifies a sniper threatening his unit. Sergeant Dylan Chutsky quickly calls for an airstrike to eliminate the sniper's position, demonstrating the urgency and dangers faced by the soldiers.
Mission to Repair Water System
Ocre's unit is tasked with repairing a malfunctioning water system in the dangerous village of Baqubah. They meet Captain Syverson and his team, who outline the plan for transporting water to the village.
Lack of Local Support
On the following day, Ocre's team finds that no villagers have come to assist them despite promises of payment for labor. Faced with this setback, the soldiers take it upon themselves to help the Army engineers.
Encounter with a Desperate Father
While returning from a supply run, the squad meets a frantic father rushing to find medicine for his sick daughter. This encounter highlights the dire circumstances faced by the local population amidst war.
Under Fire from Insurgents
During one of their trips, Ocre's unit comes under heavy fire from insurgents. The soldiers scramble for cover and safety, illustrating the ongoing battle against insurgents as well as the chaos of war.
Collaboration with Local Administrator
With the help of Kadeer, the local school administrator, progress on the water system begins to improve. Kadeer's needs for water for the school create a vital partnership for the soldiers.
Tragic Discovery of Kadeer's Death
One morning, the soldiers find that none of the Iraqi workers have shown up. They return to the village to find Kadeer's body gruesomely displayed, which signifies the grave risks faced by those collaborating with American forces.
Planning a Night Attack
After learning the location of the insurgents from Kadeer's brother, Syverson devises a plan for a night raid. This operation aims to retaliate against those responsible for Kadeer's murder.
Successful Night Operation
The soldiers execute the night operation with success, leading to several enemy casualties and captures. However, the victory comes at a price, as injuries among American troops require immediate evacuation.
Returning to Pump Station Work
With the Iraqi laborers on board after the operation, work resumes at the pump station. The collaboration showcases a moment of hope in the face of ongoing challenges.
Tragedy Strikes with an IED
The project takes a devastating turn when an IED, planted by a treacherous worker, explodes at the station. This act leads to multiple fatalities, deepening the tragedy of the soldiers' mission.
Return to Base in Baghdad
After the turmoil in Baqubah, Ocre and his comrades return to their base in Baghdad. This transition signifies a momentary reprieve from the chaos they have faced in the field.
Departure from Iraq
As Ocre prepares to leave, he learns he is due to return home despite his protests. His departure marks the end of his immediate involvement in the war, though the conflict continues.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Sand Castle (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Matt Ocre
Pvt. Matt Ocre is a young civil affairs soldier whose primary motivation for enlisting was to fund his college education. As he finds himself in the turmoil of war, he grapples with the harsh realities of combat and its impact on his ideals. Ocre showcases a blend of naivety and determination, as he strives to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people.
Dylan Chutsky
Sgt. Dylan Chutsky stands out as a capable leader within Ocre's unit. He is decisive and quick to act, exemplified when he calls for a helicopter strike against a threatening sniper. Chutsky's character portrays the complexities of military leadership in high-stress situations, balancing the need for action with the safety of his men.
Cpt. Syverson
Cpt. Syverson plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between the Army and local civilians. His character navigates the challenges of military operations while understanding the significance of local partnerships. Syverson embodies the determination needed to achieve successful outcomes amidst adversity.
Kadeer
Kadeer, the local school administrator, serves as a vital connection between the U.S. soldiers and the village community. His character represents the hopes of the locals for better living conditions and support during the war. Unfortunately, his tragic fate underscores the perils faced by those who engage with the military.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Sand Castle (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2003
The film is set during the early stages of the Iraq War, which began in 2003. This period was marked by intense military actions and rebuilding efforts in the post-Saddam era, with soldiers facing challenging situations as they attempted to establish order and support local communities amidst chaos.
Location
Baghdad, Baqubah
The movie takes place in Baghdad and the village of Baqubah, both significant in the context of the Iraq War. Baghdad is the capital city, known for its rich history and culture but has been marred by conflict and strife. Baqubah, on the other hand, is a smaller village that became a focal point for military operations and local struggles during the war.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Sand Castle (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice pervades the story, showcasing the personal costs faced by soldiers and civilians alike during wartime. Characters endure physical and emotional strain as they navigate the complexities of combat and humanitarian efforts. The tragic outcomes for both American soldiers and the Iraqi locals highlight the harsh realities of war.
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Collaboration
Collaboration emerges as a critical theme, emphasizing the need for partnership between military forces and local communities. The relationship between U.S. soldiers and Iraqi locals showcases moments of trust and unity despite the backdrop of conflict. It underscores the importance of engaging with the community for successful missions and rebuilding efforts.
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