Review by Jon Donnis.
Directed by Andres Beltran and written by Matt Pitts, Quicksand takes audiences on a gripping journey through the emotional and physical trials of an American couple trapped in the lush wilderness of Colombia.
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The film centres around healthcare professionals Sofia (Carolina Gaitan) and Josh (Allan Hawco), a couple teetering on the edge of divorce. Their strained relationship serves as the backdrop for a harrowing tale of survival and self-discovery. Sofia, a doctor, returns to her homeland after years of absence to deliver a lecture at a conference, accompanied by Josh, who experiences Bogotá for the first time. Leaving their children behind in the United States, will the trip offer them a chance to mend their fractured marriage, or will it literally be the end of them?
The story takes a dramatic turn during a fateful hike through the rainforest, where they find themselves ensnared in a pit of quicksand after confronting someone stealing their car and then being held up at gunpoint and in their attempts to escape end up trapped and immobilized. From ere they must confront their own personal demons while battling the unforgiving elements of the jungle, trying to stay awake and there is even a giant snake that adds another layer of danger to their desperate situation.
Carolina Gaitan and Allan Hawco deliver decent performances, they portray well the complex emotional journey their characters are forced to endure. The chemistry between the two actors is strong, making their struggles and revelations all the more believable. As the plot unfolds, the quicksand becomes a powerful metaphor for the couple's deteriorating relationship, forcing them to confront their grievances and rediscover the value in one another.
Andres Beltran's direction shines as he expertly balances the heart-pounding suspense of the survival aspect with the intimate, character-driven moments of introspection. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and treacherousness of the Colombian wilderness, intensifying the sense of vulnerability felt by the characters.
Throughout the film, a great deal of effort is made to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat, unsure of whether the couple will succumb to the perils of the jungle or find strength in each other to overcome their challenges. This gripping uncertainty adds layers of tension and depth to the plot, keeping the audience engrossed until the final moments.
Quicksand serves as a thought-provoking exploration of marriage, redemption, and the human spirit. It delves into the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of life-threatening situations. The film's powerful message reminds us of the importance of valuing our loved ones and finding strength in unity when confronted with life's most daunting obstacles.
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The Good
Despite the low budget, everything looks and feels real and believable. I liked both the performances of Allan Hawco and Carolina Gaitan, and there is a true feeling of peril when they ultimately end up trapped.
The film is a beautiful 80 minutes long, which for a horror/thriller is about the perfect length.
The Bad
Some of the arguments between Sofia and Josh are very cliche. The film is called Quicksand, but it is more mud that they are trapped in.
Overall
Quicksand is a decent horror/thriller film that does a fair job in both its storytelling and performances. Another decent release from the good people at Shudder, and available now at the following links.
I score Quicksand a fair 7/10
Amazon - https://amzn.to/3rQpkPM
Apple TV - https://apple.co/3OhJI3F