08/04/2025
Watching Quicksand on Netflix gave me a glimpse of what life looks like for many young people in Sweden. What stood out to me the most was how realistic it portrayed the struggles of youth—especially the stubbornness of characters like Maja and Sebastian.
As a Filipino brought up in a conservative, God-fearing family, I found it difficult to relate to the level of freedom young people in Sweden seem to have once they turn eighteen. It’s as if being of legal age gives them the right to do anything they want without much regard for their parents’ guidance or values.
From a Christian point of view, I believe that when we stop listening to our parents or living in a way that pleases God, we open ourselves to painful consequences. The Bible teaches us to “honor your father and mother” and to walk in God’s ways. When we go against that, it often leads to destruction—not just for us, but also for the people around us.
The youth in the Philippines today are slowly starting to adopt foreign cultures. Watching these kinds of films can make them crave the kind of "freedom" they see—freedom without limits, without accountability. We can’t stop the world from spinning or the media from influencing minds, but I hope this reflection serves as a reminder to the young ones: not all that seems fun or liberating in Western films is meant to be adopted.
Quicksand may be a fictional story, but in my point of view, any writer, whether in books or films, bases their work on the true culture of the setting in which the story originates. This film paints a real and painful picture of what happens when freedom is misused. It’s a cultural wake-up call, not just for the youth, but also for parents—to remain vigilant, prayerful, and involved in guiding our children.
Let this film be a lesson: “What goes around comes around.” Every action has a consequence. As Scripture reminds us, "You reap what you sow." Whether you believe in God or not, there’s no escaping that truth.
While the legal and courtroom aspects of the film were interesting, what really spoke to me was the emotional and moral consequences of disobedience and rebellion. Quicksand is more than just a crime drama. It’s a strong reminder that our choices matter. And as a Christian, I am even more convinced that a life lived in obedience to God and in respect to our parents brings peace, protection, and blessing.
