The Sandman

What’s it about?

Morpheus, an endless being responsible for dreams, is captured and trapped in a basement for 100 years. After he escapes, he must rebuild the kingdom of dreams.

The facts

• 11 episodes
• English language
• The series is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s popular comic series of the same name.

Why did it get this rating?

This show was classified by Te Mana Whaakatu, Classification Office.

Graphic violence and horror

The series involves regular fantasy horror-violence, resulting in blood and gore. Bodies explode from the inside out, bodies are chopped up, and dream characters rip their own faces off.

One plot line involves serial killers gathering for a convention about their shared interest in killing. This plot line is darkly satirical.

There is also self-harm, including a character who cuts their own fingers off and another who drags a metal hook down a face. While the gore is not lingered on, it is likely to shock and disturb younger viewers.

Many episodes contain a sustained sense of dread and threat. In the episode ‘24 Hours’ a villain uses magic to psychologically torture a group of people in a diner before inciting them to violence and self-harm.

The series also touches on domestic violence, with a child kept in a basement.

Sex scenes

The film contains a couple of moderate clothed sex scenes. Characters can be seen moving in a manner that implies sexual activity. These moments tend to be shown from a distance.

Offensive language

The series contains moderate offensive language, including “f**k”, “sh*t” and variations of these words. These words are used aggressively and casually by a range of characters.