Quicksand (2021)
A quietly devastating Dutch drama about duty, illness, and the impossible pull between a daughter's own life and a mother's final demands.
Quicksand - Movie Information
- Original Title: Drijfzand
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Margot Schaap
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: Dutch
- Spoken Languages: English, Estonian, Dutch
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 29, 2021 (Netherlands - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Vesiliiv (EE)
- Production Companies: Homeless Bob Production, PRPL
- Production Countries: Estonia, Netherlands
Quicksand - Plot
A young woman finds herself struggling to maintain her mental health and grounded family life on a rural Dutch island when her capricious, city-dwelling thespian mother falls incurably ill and expects her increasingly regular company and assistance.
Quicksand - Trailer
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Quicksand - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Margot Schaap
Main Cast
- Hanna van Vliet
- Elsie de Brauw
- Elin Koleci
- Simeoni Sundja
- Jade Olieberg
- Aus Greidanus
- Manoushka Zeegelaar-Breeveld
- Wieger Windhorst
- Eran Ben-Michaël
Writers
- Margot Schaap
Producers
- Ellen Havenith
Quicksand - FAQs
What is Quicksand about?
Quicksand follows Suze, a young woman living on a quiet rural Dutch island who must confront her fragile mental health when her flamboyant, city-based actress mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As her mother's demands intensify, Suze is pulled between her own stability and a suffocating sense of duty.
Where can I watch Quicksand online?
Streaming availability for Quicksand varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options — including subscription, rental, and purchase services — on JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across all major platforms in your country.
Is Quicksand based on a true story?
Quicksand is not based on a specific true story. The film is an original dramatic work written and directed by Margot Schaap. However, its themes of caregiver burden, mother-daughter conflict, and mental health under pressure are drawn from deeply relatable human experiences.
Who are the main actors in Quicksand?
The film stars Hanna van Vliet as Suze and Elsie de Brauw as Helena, her ailing mother. The supporting cast includes Elin Koleci, Simeoni Sundja, Jade Olieberg, Aus Greidanus, Manoushka Zeegelaar-Breeveld, Wieger Windhorst, and Eran Ben-Michaël.
Who directed Quicksand?
Quicksand was written and directed by Margot Schaap, a Dutch filmmaker. The film marks a deeply personal and intimate dramatic vision, exploring the psychological toll of caregiving and the complicated terrain of a mother-daughter relationship strained by illness and unresolved history.
When was Quicksand released?
Quicksand had its theatrical release in the Netherlands on September 29, 2021, with a local age rating of 12. The film was a Dutch-Estonian co-production, bringing together creative talent and resources from both countries.
How long is Quicksand?
Quicksand has a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes (113 minutes). The film's measured pace allows it to explore the emotional complexity of its central relationship with depth and nuance, giving both lead performances room to breathe and resonate.
What are some movies similar to Quicksand?
If you enjoyed Quicksand, you may also appreciate films like 'night, Mother (1986), The Burning Plain (2008), Echo Valley (2025), Broken Hallelujah (2025), and Psychosis in Stockholm (2020) — all of which explore intense female relationships, emotional rupture, and the weight of family obligation.
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