Watch Sand Dollars

Sand Dollars is a poignant drama about an elderly French woman named Anne (Geraldine Chaplin), who has been living in the Dominican Republic for several years. Anne spends most of her time alone in her luxurious beachfront apartment, reading, drinking wine, and reminiscing about her past. One day, she meets a young, beautiful local girl named Noeli (Yanet Mojica) who is just 19 years old. Noeli is a single mother who lives with her extended family and works as a prostitute to support her child. Despite the significant age difference and cultural barriers, Anne and Noeli develop a complex and intimate relationship. Anne becomes infatuated with Noeli and pays her for her services even when they are not having sex. Noeli, on the other hand, sees Anne as a means to an end and starts to rely on her for financial support. As their relationship deepens, Anne starts to question her motives and the nature of her relationship with Noeli. She begins to wonder if her attraction to Noeli stems from a desire for companionship or a need to control someone. Noeli, on the other hand, sees Anne as a source of stability in her life and a way to escape her poverty-stricken existence. She struggles with the moral implications of their relationship and the effects it may have on her child's future. The film is beautifully shot and captures the idyllic beauty of the Dominican Republic's beaches and landscapes. The performances by Chaplin and Mojica are outstanding, with Chaplin delivering a nuanced portrayal of a woman struggling with her past and present. Mojica, a non-professional actor, is a revelation and brings a raw authenticity to her role as Noeli. Sand Dollars is a thought-provoking and intimate exploration of the complexities of age, race, class, and sexuality. It paints a portrait of the Dominican Republic that is both beautiful and harsh, with the wealthy foreigners living in isolated luxury while the locals struggle to survive. The film's sensitive handling of the relationship between Anne and Noeli is a testament to the talent of its director, Laura Amelia Guzman, and co-writer, Israel Cardenas. Overall, Sand Dollars is a must-see film that tackles difficult subject matter with grace and nuance. Its exploration of the human heart and the complexities of relationships will leave audiences pondering long after the credits have rolled.