'The Sand Castle' struggles to convey refugee themes through whimsical imagery

"The Sand Castle" follows a family stranded on an abandoned island, focusing on young Jana as they wait for help. The film blends whimsical imagery with darker themes, hinting at a refugee crisis without fully revealing the family's backstory. Director Matty Brown emphasizes Jana's perspective, leading to a fragmented narrative. While the film features striking visuals, it struggles to convey its urgent message about the refugee experience, leaving viewers with a muddled understanding of the family's plight. Despite its well-meaning intentions, "The Sand Castle" is criticized for being more of a poetic concept than a cohesive film. The storytelling obscures the serious issues at hand, making it difficult for the film's message to resonate effectively.