In 2013, Henry Cavill soared to overnight success with heroic flair in Man of Steel. Then, the British actor donned the detective cap in Enola Holmes alongside Millie Bobby Brown. After proving that he could outwit the cleverest villains and still look dapper doing it, he entered the realm of fantasy with The Witcher. Not to overlook his gravity-defying stunts in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. With such a varied portfolio, his career is like a rollercoaster that his fans are tagging along on for a wild ride. 

But his 2017 war flick titled Sand Castle was no less iconic than any other of his works. Although the flick received mixed reviews from critics, it is rendered special for his career for a multitude of reasons.

1. The impressive performance from Henry Cavill

Based on a true story, Sand Castle explores the perspective of American soldiers in a post-9/11 war-torn Iraq. Among them was Captain Syverson, played by Cavill, a seasoned Special Forces operative who faced diminishing significance in the force. With a rare buzz cut and beard look, the 40-year-old demonstrated an intricacy that is mostly absent in his high-profile roles.

As his character begins to reveal a troubling blend of xenophobia and self-loathing, Cavill conveys his character’s complexities with somber yet convincing ease. One of the most well-performed yet unsettling sequences from the film was Syverson’s conversation with an Arab, which underlined the war-is-futile theme of the movie. 

2. A much-needed role switch-up

Despite his British origin, Cavill’s roles often embody a patriotic American. Whether as a superhero, super spy, or CIA operative, the 40-year-old commonly portrays men who respond to duty with valor. The same cannot be said about Sand Castle. Through Syverson, the The Tudors actor laid bare the shadowed facet of democracy, a theme he has never explored before in his career.

Even as a side character, he delivered a performance that stood out the most. His portrayal of a character whose hopefulness was shattered was a refreshing change from his good-guy roles. It finally delivered his villain arc, which was waiting to be explored. 

But Cavill is not the only actor from the multi-verse of superheroes to act in Sand Castle. The gem of a movie boasted of many others who have lent their skills to superhero flicks.

A line-up of superhero movie actors

Besides Cavill, Sand Castle saw many accolade-worthy actors, including some popular DC and Marvel faces. Taking on the role of the anti-hero was Emmy-nominated Nicholas Hoult who also starred in X-Men: First Class. As his character Matt Ocre battles a thankless fight alongside Cavill’s Syverson, Hoult’s prowess over his craft shines through sublimely.

A ruthless killing machine in the guise of Seargent Chutsky was portrayed by The Dark Knight Rises actor Glen Powell. Meanwhile, the kind-hearted leader of the team was played by Spider-Man: Homecoming actor Logan Marshall-Green. Overall, the cast, which was adept in superhero movies, played the part of real-life superheroes spectacularly.

Great direction from Fernando Coimbra

In the hands of Brazilian director Fernando Coimbra, Sand Castle emerged as a visual masterpiece set in the beige desert landscapes. What was most impressive about the flick was not the usual tale of wars in the Middle East but the unique neutrality it was portrayed in. No scene lacked the depth required to relay the wretchedness of war.  

Through a balance of both pro and anti-war perspectives, Sand Castle stayed in the elusive gray area, which is a rarity nowadays. Coimbra is also well known for his debut feature film A Wolf at the Door, for which he received a Directors Guild of America Award nomination. And he brings that same quality of direction as the 2013 flick in to Sand Castle. 

The perfect watch for fans awaiting the next Henry Cavill movie

As the Man of Steel actor wrapped up 2023, he washed hands of many of his previous roles. But over the horizon, fans still have two upcoming spy thrillers from the actor to look forward to. These include the Dua Lipa starrer Argylle which received major funding earlier this year. And the much-awaited Guy Ritchie movie, Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Both of his upcoming flicks will have the Black Adam actor returning to play the do-good hero, unlike his role in Sand Castle. With its distinctive storyline and isolated approach to war flicks, the 2017 flick is a must-watch for Henry Cavill fans. Especially if one wishes to glimpse the versatility of the 40-year-old. It is available to stream on Netflix for those that are sold on it.

Are these reasons enough to convince you to add Sand Castle to your watch list? Tell us your answer in the comments.