Watch Burning Sands

Burning Sands is a thought-provoking drama released in 2017 that explores the brutal hazing rituals of a prestigious African American fraternity. The movie, directed by Gerard McMurray, tells the story of Zurich, an intelligent young man played by Trevor Jackson, who is excited to start his freshman year at Fredrick Douglass University (FDU) and join his late father's fraternity.

Zurich's journey into brotherhood starts smoothly as he bonds with his fellow pledges, including Square (played by Tosin Cole), an engineering student and deeply religious man, and Fernander (DeRon Horton), an alpha male whose priorities are partying and womanizing. However, the initiation process becomes increasingly painful and abusive, both physically and mentally, as the fraternity's senior members, led by Frank (Steve Harris), a proud alumnus determined to uphold the fraternity's legacy, assert their power over the pledges.

As Zurich struggles to meet the grueling demands of the hazing, he begins to question his loyalty to the fraternity and his own identity as a black man. He also becomes aware of the dangerous consequences of hazing when one of the pledge's health is compromised by the rigorous exercises and maltreatment.

Burning Sands is a powerful and authentic depiction of the challenges that young black men face in the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in America. The film brings to light the toxic masculinity, homophobia, and misogyny inherent in Greek life, and how these factors can lead to tragic outcomes if left unchallenged. It also shines a light on the bonds of brotherhood and the culture of elitism that drive fraternity members to engage in such inhumane practices.

Trevor Jackson's portrayal of Zurich is a standout performance. He delivers a nuanced and emotional performance, navigating Zurich's transformation from an eager candidate to a disillusioned victim. Tosin Cole and DeRon Horton also showcase strong acting, with their characters representing different approaches to the hazing process. Square is the voice of morality, always questioning the rationale behind the cruel rituals, while Fernander is the epitome of toxic masculinity, eager to prove his manhood at any cost.

Additionally, the film's cinematography and music score help amplify its themes. The cinematography captures the intensity and vulnerability of the characters, bringing the audience closer to their emotional struggles. The music score, composed by Kevin Lax, blends hip-hop and classical elements to create a haunting, yet compelling atmosphere that reflects the complexities of Zurich's journey.

Burning Sands is not an easy movie to watch, as it exposes the toxic and violent side of fraternity culture. However, it is important and necessary, as it highlights the need for reform and accountability in Greek organizations, particularly in HBCUs. The movie depicts the need for more conversations about hazing and its long-lasting impact on the psyche of young college students.

In conclusion, Burning Sands is a powerful and eye-opening drama that explores the dark side of fraternity life. The film's excellent performances, cinematography, and music score make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the challenges young black men face in college and the ways fraternity culture can hinder their growth and development.

Burning Sands is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 63.