One benefit of seeking out as many films as time will allow is that you get to experience a plethora of under the radar bangers. There is a whole world of film underneath the increasingly lackluster Netflix queue and blockbuster offerings. If you look hard enough, you’ll stumble upon some infectious gems like “Sanctuary,” a psychosexual thriller that just may be the best RomCom of 2023. You read that right. This oddball, single setting thriller infused with an overwhelming sexual energy channels all the makings of a beautiful love story, but is buried under the surface of a twisted, dysfunctional relationship with ever shifting power dynamics and sadistic gameplay. “Sanctuary” is peak sex centered cinema without ever overindulging in the onscreen sex itself, opting to focus on the mental exercise of sexual tension and taboo kinks that permeate every frame. “Sanctuary” is a love story for the sickos, a twisted, sexually charged thriller that will enthrall you and keep you guessing until the very end.
Directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Michah Bloomberg, “Sanctuary” stars Margaret Qualley and Chris Abbott as Rebecca and Hal, whose every encounter takes place in a luxurious hotel suite. Hal is the son of a powerful hotel chain mogul, and is set to takeover the company as CEO after the untimely passing of his strict and overbearing father. Rebecca is a dominatrix hired by Hal to verbally and sometimes physically degrade him, and they have been carrying on these escapades together for a while. With scenes written by Hal and performed by them both, Hal expresses that their relationship needs to end as his new position as CEO would not pair well with his after hour activities. Rebecca, unwilling to go quietly into the night, decides to blackmail Hal and thus begins a series of cat and mouse games and shifting powers as they quarrel about what to do with each other.
Everything about “Sanctuary” on paper screams Skinemax, the kind of film you catch around midnight after your parents have gone to bed and left your unchecked urges to their own devices in the darkness. Yes, this was a real thing that happened and no I will not elaborate further for the “raised on the internet” generations. This would be a fair assumption given its content, but Wigon and Bloomberg are infinitely smarter than smut, injecting clever framing and whip smart dialogue to make the film’s sexual in nature as oppose to sexually explicit. It uses sex and kinks as a catalyst for something more, seeking to explore the nature of their twisted relationship as it pertains to WHY they do what they do together instead of solely focusing on what they do together. It is less about the skin to show and more about lustful desire of sexual tension. This seemingly simple but effective execution elevates “Sanctuary” into an instantly engaging thriller, one that never lets go once it gets ahold of you. Sure, it’s not for the repressed and puritan mindsets, but if you’re willing to let the taboo unleash its dominance over you, you’ll be treated to an unrelenting mind fuck of a film that you will not be able to forget in the best of ways.
Though the script sings on its own and the COVID style setting (the entire film takes place inside a hotel room with only two characters ever seen on screen) enhances the claustrophobic aura surrounding “Sanctuary,” it’s Margaret Qualley and Chris Abbott who bring it all together. Their committed performances and electric chemistry immediately draws you into their demented world and makes it impossible to not root for their dysfunctional love affair. Qualley in particular is mesmerizing, shouldering the risk of a dominating woman battling the powers that be to not only to elevate herself, but drive out the best and worst of her subject in Hal. Her delivery is unmatched, and while Abbott is certainly game to compete, the fight is simply not fair as Qualley commands the screen with her wits and cheeky gameplay. I am all in on the Qualley train after this performance, and “Sanctuary” is an announcement of range that few would be willing to take let alone nail on the first try.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a film that leaves me both haunted and horny at the same time. I think “Black Swan” was the last sexually charged nightmare, and while “Sanctuary” isn’t nearly as psychologically twisted, it is equally effective and constantly has you questioning what is real. Wickedly devious, darkly funny, and a love letter to the perverts, the film brilliantly explores its themes about control, connection, and yes, the long con of power plays as each character struggles to uncover what they want from both their lives and their kinky relationship. Though it can feel a bit stagey at times and the deep red cinematography and artsy transitions can feel a bit avant garde at times, “Sanctuary” overcomes these pitfalls through a thrilling pacing, smart ideas, and mesmerizing performances.
Without a shred of irony, “Sanctuary” is a better love story than “Titanic.” I said what I said. Though buried under a myriad of twists and turns and sexual deviance, there is an undeniable charm that rips through this tale of power and desire that is deeply affecting and riveting. “Sanctuary” is one of my favorite love stories of the year, and if you’re willing to get real cool about a lot of shit real quick, you’ll be treated to the kind of RomCom you didn’t know existed but most certainly and perhaps secretly needed.
I don’t have a submissive kink, but “Sanctuary” has me wanting Qualley to tell me how disappointed she is in me as I try to clean behind a toilet that she has deemed is “dirty.” Don’t you dare judge me.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Sanctuary” is now playing in select theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
