Cast
View AllHaylie Duff
as Claire
Tobin Bell
as Valentine
Shaun Sipos
as Wyatt
Shae Smolik
as Madison
Amanda Wyss
as Dr. Amanda Elliott
Ricco Ross
as Detective Price
Jason-Shane Scott
as Colton
Morgana Ignis
as The Sandman
Lyn Alicia Henderson
as Abigail Farmer
Catherine Urbanek
as Michelle
Cheyenne Phillips
as Christina
Pamela Bell Mitchell
as Pin-Up Girl
Aaron Norvell
as Cop
Crew
Director
- Peter Sullivan
Writer
- Peter Sullivan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Sandman presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Peter Sullivan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Sandman took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 490 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Sandman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Doom, which focuses more on action than character development, The Sandman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Blob and Nezulla the Rat Monster explore similar territory, The Sandman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 14, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch

