Review of House of Sand and Fog (2003) by Mike D — 05 May 2012

For a film that appears to be about a dispute over an ordinary house, 'House of Sand and Fog' really delves into heavy themes, including tolerance, forgiveness and taking risks. At the center of the plot, Jennifer Connelly's troubled young character is wrongfully evicted from her deceased father's house, only to see it inhabited by Ben Kingsley's former Iranian colonel character and his family.

The bitter dispute that ensues touches on many sensitive cultural areas, and an unfaithful deputy who injects himself into the matter (played by Ron Eldard) further complicates matters. Where 'Fog' really excels is in its screenplay, which is one of the best of any thriller in the past decade.

Instead of relying on over-Hollywoodification, 'Fog' seems gritty and real, and the emotions of the cast translate to the audience in a meaningful way. As the film continues down its dreary path, the magnitude of the situation tears at the seams of those involved in the dispute, until a shocking finale puts a definitive end to the film.

Beautifully shot, 'Fog' never feels like it's forced, and keeps the audience's interest fairly easily. While it may not be the happiest of films, 'House of Sand and Fog' is a gripping story that is about the lives affected by the house much more than it is about the house itself.