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Quicksand

Quicksand

He's running for his life and running out of time.

200395 minRMidcredits score: 15th percentile of all films
Director
John Mackenzie
Starring
Michael Keaton, Michael Caine, Judith Godrèche, Rade Šerbedžija

The workaholic head of the compliance section of a New York bank flies to Monaco to investigate unusual deposits from an offshore bank and meets a down-on-his-luck international film star who has become embroiled in criminal activities.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Quicksand?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Quicksand on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Quicksand?

Quicksand earns 1 badge: Broadly Agreed.

Reception

Is Quicksand worth watching?

Quicksand's Midcredits score is the 15th percentile of all films, from 3.9K ratings across 4 sources. 21% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

15th percentile

Better received than 15% of films

13th percentile among Crime15th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)24th
Approval (how many liked it)10th

53 /100

24th percentile of all films

22nd percentile among Crime24th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

21% liked it

10th percentile of all films

8th percentile among Crime9th percentile among 2000s
21% rated it 7–1079% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

61st percentile

3.9K ratings across platforms

54th percentile among Crime53rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic, low-budget thriller saved only by its two star actors but otherwise predictable and derivative.

Fans praised

  • suspenseful and engaging thriller
  • strong lead performances from Keaton and Caine
  • effective pacing and chase sequences

Detractors panned

  • formulaic and clichéd plot
  • ridiculous contrivances and plot holes
  • wasted cast slumming through B-movie material

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

Keaton decent as ordinary man, Caine fun in small role but clearly slumming

PacingDivisive45

decent forward momentum but drags in middle

TensionDivisive40

some chase sequences work but overall suspense lacking

CharactersDivisive30

cardboard cutouts written with broad strokes

DialogueDivisive30

cheesy lines and trite exchanges

Plot and storyDivisive25

formulaic framed-man-on-the-run story with glaring holes and contrivances

Originality10

rehashed every cliché from better thrillers

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Quicksand like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its crime-thriller material with earnest seriousness, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film maintains moderate suspense throughout, with the most pressure in the climax when the protagonist confronts the villains.
StructureThe story follows a linear progression from investigation to framing to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe happy resolution leaves a mild feel-good sensation, and the protagonist's exoneration provides slight catharsis.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA banker investigating suspicious deposits is framed for murder by corrupt police and Russian mob, forcing him to flee and clear his name.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe protagonist seeks to prove his innocence and expose a corrupt system while staying alive.
StanceThe film presents a straightforward tale of a man wrongly accused without deeper commentary.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Anthony Marinelli
SettingMonaco and New York, a world of international banking and organized crime.

Content guide

Is Quicksand okay for kids?

R

Quicksand is rated R: “Rated R for violence, sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at intense (64/100), language at moderate (58/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (58/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany0
  • Greece16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 80%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (27 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Quicksand have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Quicksand?

Cast

Michael Keaton
as Martin Raikes
Michael Caine
as Jake Mellows
Judith Godrèche
as Lela Forin
Rade Šerbedžija
as Oleg Butraskaya
Matthew Marsh
as Michel Cote
Xander Berkeley
as Joey Patterson
Kathleen Wilhoite
as Beth Ann
Elina Löwensohn
as Vannessa
Clare Thomas
as Emma
William Beck
as Nicoli

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Quicksand?

Movies like Quicksand include Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016), The Courier (2019) and Flight Risk (2025). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of oppressive states, and most are stories about unlikely alliances.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its story type: conspiracy thriller. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Quicksand?

980 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.