Mr. Sandman (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

I recently finished a unit on Lord of the Flies with my twelfth-grade English class. Throughout the unit we discussed the idea of fear and the role it plays in our lives. The idea of a beastie potentially lurking in the dark of William Golding’s classic novel is more frightening to the children stranded on the island than the legitimate threats of complete isolation and imminent death. This is a thought that has always appealed to me; but I’d never before been given an outlet in which I could discuss it. 

Mr. Sandman plays on this idea, the idea that what may be–like a Schrodinger’s monster–is far more terrifying than the things we know to be real. When Zoe (Hailey Kate Schmidt) falls asleep in the living room, she’s forced to grapple with the potential for the titular creature to appear and steal her away from her family. A long, perilous night ensues, one in which Zoe struggles to understand the difference between what’s real and what’s in her head. 

Again, this idea of an invisible fear plays a prominent role in our lives, and Writer-Director Matthew I. Schmidt uses this reality to build suspense and keep viewers engaged. It’s the idea of “what if?” that drives the narrative, develops Zoe throughout, and allows Mr. Sandman to resonate with viewers. 

There are moments of emotional void existing throughout the film, and I have to attribute that to the acting. There is a ton of potential in each of these actors, and that comes through in most instances throughout Mr. Sandman–but there are moments in which their performances fall flat, and the narrative with them. Enough about that.

Mr. Sandman is a technical feast, a masterclass in cinematography and sound design. Schmidt employs a series of individuals who not just understood the assignment but likely far outperformed expectation. A low-budget, independent film, I’m certain the production of Mr. Sandman expected to experience a few hiccups along the way–in terms of the technical aspects, there are none. 

Director of Photography M. Schmidt often sets the scene by presenting it from Zoe’s point of view. Low-angle shots often play a role in developing suspense and allowing the audience to appreciate Zoe’s perspective. Mr. Sandman thrives on it being a child’s story, and in order to understand the gravity of what occurs throughout the course of the film, it’s imperative that we appreciate not just the intent, but the protagonist’s struggles throughout. M. Schmidt incorporates different cinematic techniques into Mr. Sandman as to allow the film to remain fresh and inviting–all while effectively employing suspense and intensity. Furthermore, Mr. Sandman utilizes an original score that incorporates classical and horror elements that are woven into the fabric of the film. Whether supplementing a character’s dialogue or existing on its own as the most prominent aspect in a scene, the sound design and score compliment the narrative, the characters, and M. Schmidt’s vision. 

Mr. Sandman is a visceral film that highlights the terror that once existed in all of us–the idea of fear and how the unknown exacerbates that fear. Through a series of technically thrilling aspects, Mr. Sandman effectively brings to life a narrative that will certainly resonate with viewers and allow them to relive the horrors of their childhood. 

Written & Directed by Matthew I. Schmidt. 

Starring Hailey Kate Schmidt, Sherry Hoffman, Mackenzie Newberry, & Brandon Burkley. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING