Sand Castle is adapted from a true story based on the Iraq war. 19-year-old soldier Matt Ocre (played by Nicholas Hoult) and his sergeant, Sergeant Baker, are tasked with protecting a remote and dangerous village – Baqubah – to repair an important pipeline. They become targets of the enemy, facing sniper attacks, suicide bombers, and constant vigilance. As the days go by and his comrades sacrifice themselves, Matt's will is slowly being worn down, forcing him to confront his darkest self.