Film Review: Quicksand (2023)

I've done one movie review before, but I wanted to get back into blogging, especially on a new platform, and I figured this was a step in the right direction—back to my horror roots and relatively popular (but I will be reviewing Barbie when I finally get a chance to see it). I took out a Shudder subscription and set my sights on working through their back catalogue one film at a time.

Quicksand is the kind of horror film perfect for a lazy afternoon: not too intense, easy to watch while crocheting, and utterly possible. Directed by Andres Beltran (Llanto Maldito), this 2023 film toes the line between eco-horror and thriller, though I would say it was definitely scary enough to be considered a full-on horror film. The movie follows Sofia (Carolina Gaitan) and Josh (Allan Hawco), a couple on the precipice of divorce, as they travel to a medical conference in Bogota, Colombia, organised by Josh's friend Marcos (Sebastian Eslava), where Sofia is set to give a presentation. The day before the conference, Sofia and Josh set out on a reluctant and uncomfortable hiking trip, where they encounter a thief and are forced to flee into dangerous terrain known as Las Arenas. Sofia ends up falling into a pit of quicksand and, in his attempt to save her, Josh becomes stuck alongside her. The two are left in the wilderness with the threat of venomous snakes and an oncoming storm.

The pacing in this film is impeccable. The slow opening builds excellent tension between Sofia and Josh, which continues to mount as they delve deeper into the isolated environment. At no point did the film feel too long or boring, and if it had been any slower then there would be no stakes at all. The dialogue felt natural, slipping effortlessly between Spanish and English. Gaitan and Hawco are phenomenal at portraying the complicated relationship between their characters, and this is one of the main strengths of the film.

Quicksand has the potential to be a black blur due to the dark nature of the environment, but the lighting in this film is worked to appear as natural as possible while still illuminating the characters and setting. The colour palette is incredible. The soundtrack is essential in building the intense dread of the film.

Although I've described this as an eco-horror, there are few of the typical environmental themes associated with the genre. Instead, the film focuses on the nature of motherhood and Sofia's struggle with balancing her family and career. Unlike other films with similar themes, the message of Quicksand isn't that women should focus on their families over their careers, but rather that they should embrace both. Sofia's accomplishments as a doctor are celebrated throughout, and this was so refreshing to see.

Quicksand is not the best or scariest film I've ever seen, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth the watch. It's wonderfully simple, with strong characters and stunning rainforest visuals. And after all, who hasn't grown up with an innate fear of being stuck in quicksand?