THE SANDMAN Is A Compelling Dark Fantasy Marred By Excessive Immorality
By Trevor Jones, Movieguide® Contributor
THE SANDMAN is a 2022 Netflix original fantasy drama series based on the DC Comics. It follows Morpheus / Dream (Tom Sturridge), a cold-hearted deity who oversees the dreams of humanity. After escaping from his earth-bound prison, Morpheus sets out to mend the severed link between the waking and sleeping realms. He contends with his dysfunctional godly siblings while accepting the value of friendship. THE SANDMAN was produced by Warner Bros. Television and is based on the Neil Gaiman comic book series of the same name.
Netflix’s THE SANDMAN is a welcome entry into the supernatural fantasy genre. It explores the themes of hope, dreams, immortality, and death. The production values and unique direction in visual effects are straight up spectacular. The show also pits several positive virtues against its grim antagonists. It features brief instances of self harm, homosexual kissing, and bodily mutilation. Despite its TV-MA rating, THE SANDMAN offers several compelling moral questions. MOVIEGUIDE(R) recommends extreme caution for mature audiences.
The first season of THE SANDMAN begins with Morpheus touring his dream realm / higher plane of existence. Morpheus is a member of the “Endless,” a family of supernatural beings who monitor humanity’s behaviors. His role is to keep humanity in check with his dream and nightmare creatures. The show borrows mythology from biblical and Mediterranean sources. Dream’s spiritual neighbors include Lucifer, the queen of Hell, the three Fates who deliver prophetic riddles, and Cain and Abel.
In the 20th century, Morpheus visits London to catch the Corinthian, a rogue nightmare creature who defected from his duties. During the hunt, a human wizard captures Morpheus and strips him of his magical jewels. Morpheus escapes the cell a hundred years later, only to see Earth in complete ruin due to his absence. The Dream Master goes on a quest to retrieve his items, rebuild his ethereal kingdom, and open up his smug demeanor.
In terms of production values, THE SANDMAN knocks it out of the park. The cinematography is ambitious, vivid, and captures the fantastical nature of both the living and dreaming worlds. In the spiritual realm, Morpheus visits golden cities, lush forests, and the literal mountain of hell. The visual effects are not just excellent by Netflix standards, but they are also artistically unique. The show emphasizes “foreign” patterns and complex sand simulation. It would make the dust particle effects of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR blush.
When it comes to storytelling, THE SANDMAN fumbles over its human drama, but excels with Dream’s personal journey. The main plot has Morpheus retrieve his gear, stop the Corinthian from sadistically torturing humanity, and restore peace to the dream realm. The Dream King is lonely in his quest, but slowly accepts help from his assistant Lucienne and his pet raven Matthew. He confronts his own purpose in helping humanity and learning to care for others.
THE SANDMAN challenges Dream’s worldview of being indifferent to the suffering of other beings. In the human world, he encounters greedy and murderous people who abuse his sand gems. One aggressor (David Thewlis) wants to rid the world of people’s lies and inhibitions, but he magically compels his neighbors to openly murder each other. Morpheus strips the man of his power, saying people need dreams to keep going in spite of hardship. In another storyline, Morpheus challenges the Queen of Hell to regain his stolen property. During this battle of wits, Lucifer engulfs Morpheus in total darkness. Morpheus retorts that “hope” is the most powerful force in the universe. He wins the match. Despite his “Edward Cullen” inspired attire, Morpheus is a smart individual who grows a heart by the end of the season.
THE SANDMAN’S best story features Morpheus hanging out with a man who wished to live forever. In episode six, Dream’s sister Death tells him to cheer up and find purpose in his “dream” job. In the Middle Ages, both siblings wage a bet if commoner Hob Gadling can stomach his wish for immortality. For every century, Dream checks if Hob is jovial or miserable of his newfound gift. Hob states Dream desires a friend, and Dream leaves the tavern in embarrassment. In the present day, Dream apologizes to Hob and reunites with him. The episode is comedic, wholesome, and offers a unique answer to the “curse” of immortality.
Unfortunately, Hob is one of the few “tolerable” human characters. As a TV-MA Netflix drama, THE SANDMAN is legally obliged to shove in objectionable material. The series rarely features extreme violence, but when it occurs, it is bloody. The human characters commit bodily self-harm, skinning people’s eyeballs, and stabbing nearby enemies. When characters use their magical powers, their targets disintegrate with blood squirts and rotting bones. Moreover, people die onscreen from natural processes, drowning, and getting hit by a car.
The “objectionable” elements do not end there. Two heterosexual couples kiss on screen. There are FIVE scenes of homosexual characters kissing and making out. Morpheus’ “Corinthian” agent kisses a man to extract the location of his next target. In the latter half of season one, a man performs a drag-queen show at a Florida bar. He does the same performance during the “dream jumping” montage. Moreover, Dream’s conniving brother Desire wears flamboyant clothing and is coded as “non-binary.” The writers surely got their priorities “straight.”
In summary, Netflix’s THE SANDMAN is a flawed, yet adventurous take on fantasy television. The main protagonist goes on an interesting journey, becomes less hostile to his companions, and defends the world from rogue nightmares. The production design is spectacular and it tackles its “life and death” themes with grace. However, viewers will need to wade through the occasional extreme violence, the pagan worldview elements, and the overreliance on “gay” fanservice. MOVIEGUIDE(R) recommends extreme caution for mature audiences when approaching this “dreamy” series.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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