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Sand Storm marks an impressive first feature for debuting writer-director Elite Zexer that offers a perceptive -- and crucial -- look at patriarchal traditions.
All Critics (39) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (3)
The movie is like a study in prisoner psychology. Nov 10, 2016 | Full Review…
The movie is like a study in prisoner psychology.
J. R. Jones
It's set in the heart of the desert, but the disturbances of the quietly impressive "Sand Storm" rage not in the natural world but in the intimate corners of the human heart. Oct 6, 2016 | Full Review…
It's set in the heart of the desert, but the disturbances of the quietly impressive "Sand Storm" rage not in the natural world but in the intimate corners of the human heart.
Kenneth Turan
Rich in cultural specifics but also universal longings. Sep 28, 2016 | Full Review…
Rich in cultural specifics but also universal longings.
Alan Scherstuhl
It's a fairly familiar critique of patriarchy from a humanist, feminist perspective, but one put across with some very impressive filmmaking skills by a first-time director. Sep 28, 2016 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
It's a fairly familiar critique of patriarchy from a humanist, feminist perspective, but one put across with some very impressive filmmaking skills by a first-time director.
Godfrey Cheshire
As a director, Ms. Zexer has a fine eye for the texture of daily life, which she fills in with resonant physical details and sweeping, scene-setting views. Sep 27, 2016 | Full Review…
As a director, Ms. Zexer has a fine eye for the texture of daily life, which she fills in with resonant physical details and sweeping, scene-setting views.
Manohla Dargis
This emotionally intelligent first feature offers a sympathetic but clear-eyed look at the tangled skein of inequalities that entrap women (and the men they love and resent) in a Bedouin village. Sep 27, 2016 | Full Review…
This emotionally intelligent first feature offers a sympathetic but clear-eyed look at the tangled skein of inequalities that entrap women (and the men they love and resent) in a Bedouin village.
Ella Taylor
"Sand Storm" provides the satisfaction of a good ol' fashioned family drama from an invigorating new point of view. Nov 8, 2018 | Full Review…
"Sand Storm" provides the satisfaction of a good ol' fashioned family drama from an invigorating new point of view.
Stephen Saito
By placing the emphasis on the characters, the performance, and the subtext, Zexer has crafted something truly accomplished. Aug 28, 2018 | Rating: 3.9/5 | Full Review…
By placing the emphasis on the characters, the performance, and the subtext, Zexer has crafted something truly accomplished.
Andrew Parker
There is a grim sense of inevitability that runs through Sand Storm, yet Jalila's incandescent spirit contains the hope that the old ways are soon to be a thing of the past. Aug 25, 2018 | Full Review…
There is a grim sense of inevitability that runs through Sand Storm, yet Jalila's incandescent spirit contains the hope that the old ways are soon to be a thing of the past.
Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Sand Storm is a work that faced many risks, met them head-on and overcame them, resulting in a work of art. Jan 10, 2018 | Full Review…
Sand Storm is a work that faced many risks, met them head-on and overcame them, resulting in a work of art.
Uri Klein
Bedouins who live in the Negev desert may not have to worry about traffic jams, but otherwise their lives are not too good. Nov 13, 2017 | Rating: B | Full Review…
Bedouins who live in the Negev desert may not have to worry about traffic jams, but otherwise their lives are not too good.
Harvey S. Karten
Despite a startlingly barbed send-off, the film's strongest virtues simply evaporate; as ever, it's hard to escape the sense that the more radical filmmaking is happening elsewhere. Oct 17, 2017 | Full Review…
Despite a startlingly barbed send-off, the film's strongest virtues simply evaporate; as ever, it's hard to escape the sense that the more radical filmmaking is happening elsewhere.
Steve Macfarlane
If being made by an Israeli woman would perhaps indicate bias against Bedouin cultures living in the country (and that is material for an article), at least Zexer does a solid job in her first full-length feature with a sad story that relies on some very fine performances.
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