Blood Sand

Blood Sand, also known as The Sand, is a 2015 American horror film directed by Isaac Gabaeff. Known for its breath-stealing opening sequence and unorthodox killer, this horror movie stars Brooke Butler, Cleo Berry, Cynthia Murell, among many others. Blood Sand is an independent film that amalgamates the mystery of the unknown, the fear of the unseen and the desperate fight for survival.

The movie begins with a group of carefree college students who decide to take a break from their hectic schedules and spend a day at the beach. The friends indulge themselves in a beach party that lasts all night, replete with bonfires, drinks, music, and the typical youthful exuberance. The group includes characters that are relatable and typical for a team taking a break before graduation - the athlete, the studious one, the party animal, the good girl next door.

Amongst the boisterous and cheerful group at the beach party are the characters played by Brooke Butler, Cleo Berry, and Cynthia Murell. Brooke Butler plays Kaylee, a responsible and sensible figure in the group. Despite her fun exterior, she seems to have an emotional bond with Cleo Berry's character, Gilbert, who is an avid football player heading for a bright professional future. Cynthia Murell’s portrayal of Marsha adds another vibrant color to this canvas of characters. Together, they form the backbone of this movie and carry it forward into the horror domain.

Following the setting of a classic party scene, the movie takes a gnarly turn. The next morning, after the indulgence of the party, the friends wake up to a gruesome reality. Almost trapped on their little patch of sand, they find themselves surrounded by a monstrous entity that consumes anything and everything that touches the sand – be it humans or inanimate objects. The beaches are no longer a symbol of freedom and relaxation but have turned into a deadly trap.

As the movie progresses, the group realizes the seriousness of the situation, the fear escalates and the struggle for survival intensifies. Everything they thought they could rely on, including their trusted cell phones or cars, are out of reach. The ensuing desperation and terror as they try to escape the beach and the attempts to fight the monstrous unseen entity become the core of the movie.

The predator is an enigmatic and unseen character of the movie, which adds an extra layer of suspense and horror, and moves away from the beaten path of visible monstrous creatures often seen in usual horror movies. It gives Blood Sand an edge and keeps viewers riveted, keeping them guessing about what will happen next and what this unknown entity truly looks like.

This film creates suspense by leaving much to the viewers' imagination, making them genuinely afraid. The majority of the horror is psychological rather than visual, with the suspense growing until the very end. Despite its low-budget roots, it uses sophisticated special effects to create enough turmoil and chaos on the screen.

The movie also examines interpersonal relationships in crises and how human character responses when faced with unthinkable circumstances. This element provides a psychological lens to the horror genre and adds a refreshing new perspective.

The direction by Isaac Gabaeff is commendable, especially given the film's limited location and cast. The tension is drawn out effectively, and the unease and anticipation the characters and the audience feel are palpable. The screenplay by Alex Greenfield and Ben Powell is constructed well around the plot, giving each character depth and captivating dialogues.

Overall, Blood Sand is a surprisingly refreshing horror movie. With a unique storyline and an unseen predator, it diverges from the typical slasher film or haunted house subplot. It ropes in the audience with its captivating plot and relatable characters and takes them through a roller-coaster of emotions, uncertainty, fear, and the will to survive the unknown entity. Despite its sci-fi horror premise, the movie effectively maintains a relatable, real-world feel, creating a compelling blend of genres that is sure to keep viewers hooked until the very end. All horror movie fans should consider giving Blood Sand a watch. It's a fascinating and unusual take on the genre.