Sand

Ty is a cautious, wary young man who feels estranged from the volatile family around him. He finds a sense of belonging among Jack's friends and falls for Sandy, using the summer to redefine who he is. His journey is about seeking quiet connection after a lifetime of abandonment and conflict. He ultimately opts for a simpler life with Sandy, away from his turbulent relatives.

Marina is the mother whose death triggers the funeral and will reading that sets the story in motion. Her absence looms large, shaping Ty’s choices and the family dynamics. She represents a past full of independence and complex relationships that the others must confront. Her legacy is a driving force behind Ty’s desire for a quieter life.

Gus is a hard-drinking, cocaine-addicted father figure who abandoned Ty as an infant. His volatile presence returns with Teddy and the others, culminating in destructive behavior that destabilizes everyone around him. He embodies toxic masculinity and the consequences of allowing anger and addiction to steer family life. His fate becomes uncertain, leaving the future unresolved for Ty and Sandy.

Jack is a tough, loyal local who befriends Ty and protects his sister Sandy. He leads a crew that resists the predatory actions of Baker and Hardy and becomes a key ally for Ty. Jack’s courage and sense of justice drive much of the film’s action, even as danger closes in. His fate, like Gus’s, is left unresolved at the end.

Sandy is Jack’s sister and Ty’s love interest, returning home from college for the summer. She becomes a focal point for the protective bonds between Ty and Jack and experiences the threats posed by Baker and Hardy firsthand. Her relationship with Ty offers a path toward a hopeful future, away from the town’s violence.

Baker is one of Gus’s violent sons, often intoxicated and dangerous, who participates in brutal acts against others. His aggression drives much of the conflict and the drive for retaliation among Jack and his friends. His actions culminate in a deadly confrontation with the protagonists.

Hardy is Baker’s brother, equally reckless and prone to cruelty under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He mirrors Baker’s brutality and helps precipitate the summer’s violent turning points. His ultimate fate mirrors the chaotic arc of the film’s violence.

Trip is Jack’s friend who embodies resourcefulness and loyalty. He acts decisively to defend his circle during the beachside confrontations and participates in the rescue efforts. His courage and willingness to jump into danger underscore the bond among the younger characters.

Max is Jack’s friend who becomes a victim of Baker and Hardy’s cruelty when kidnapped and tortured. His ordeal highlights the darker consequences of the gang’s jealousy and aggression. Max’s experience deepens the resolve of Ty and his allies to stand against the perpetrators.

Andy is another of Jack’s friends who tries to help and rescue when the situation spirals out of control. He is caught up in the danger but remains a consistent ally to Ty and Jack. His presence reinforces the importance of friendship in facing danger.

Teddy is Gus’s companion whose obsession with powerful families and their histories colors his decisions. He embodies a jaded worldview shaped by wealth and fame and serves as a foil to the more idealistic younger characters. His presence amplifies the tension around family loyalty and moral boundaries.