Sanctuary

And yet, somehow it's better than 50 Shades Of Grey! It's the same messed up, kinky sex thing. It's the same messed up, kinky relationship thing. And in the end, it's the same messed up, kinky love thing. I don't know why, but everything felt way better, deeper, and more visceral than 50 Shades. Maybe it's the directing? Maybe it's the acting? The screen-writing? Who knows? But I get more satisfaction from watching this movie than when I watched 50 Shades trilogy. Maybe because it's more concentrated than 50 Shades? I don't know. All I know is that this movie is more interesting than 50 Shades trilogy.

Sanctuary has only two actors, and the entire plot occurs inside a hotel room (and very occasionally in the corridor outside the room) over one night. Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) is a dominatrix; her client is Hal (Christopher Abbott). They are engaged in a BDSM relationship. The plot is very twisty, and the motivations of the two characters are not revealed to us until the last few moments of the movie.

The performances of Qualley and Abbot are exceptional. There is a deep sexual chemistry between them that is palpable throughout the entire movie. They are complex and flawed characters, and why they behave the way they do is often unclear. This is the intriguing mystery that is the focus of the story.

The direction of Sanctuary by Zachary Wigon is very skilful; he knows how to create a sense of danger within the tightly controlled experiences going on in the claustrophobic hotel room. I found the movie engaging, and I kept guessing until the movie's end. There is hardly any music, and what there is complements the film's tone perfectly. The cinematography is excellent, and the intimate, claustrophobic space of the setting is used to significant effect.

The BDSM theme of the story is a metaphor for the power dynamics that go on in relationships; this symbolism is subtle but effective. Power in relationships is complex, shifting back and forth between individuals who often use it to control others. Sanctuary suggests that power dynamics in relationships are complex and are influenced by gender, wealth, and social status and can have both positive and negative consequences.

Sanctuary is slow-paced, and the controlled chaos that finally leads to what is going on in the relationship can be frustrating. But the delayed gratification is worth it, and the story's last moments are satisfying. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and the banter between the two characters reminded me of some of the old-fashioned screwball romantic comedies we used to watch.

Sanctuary is a well-made film, and it was engaging. However, the circular nature of the dialogue and the late reveal at the end made the journey there often frustrating. This is the biggest problem with the movie; it would have been easy to give up well before the end. I'm glad I persevered, but the movie's enjoyment is mostly in retrospect. I suspect many viewers may give up before seeing the worthwhileness of the film and the point of it all in terms of the theme of power dynamics in relationships.

Sanctuary is for those who enjoy character-driven dramas and twisty plots. However, the slow pace and limited setting may not be for everyone. Additionally, the BDSM theme may not be suitable for all audiences.

While it is not a perfect film, Sanctuary does win points for it's creativity and craft. The story is handled with care, although it is a bit bloated. However, this allows the viewers the full view of the situation, something that I appreciated. It really doesn't skimp on the details.

The two leads are fantastic in their respective roles and manage to be the only actors on screen for the entire runtime, which is a feat I certainly applaude. Not many actors or actresses can pull that off without the audience feeling exhausted by their performance, especially with having to do such long takes as well. Very impressive.

Speaking of long takes, I really enjoyed the cinematography. The sweeping camera motions, and the way the moods are captured throughout are subdued just enough to not overshadow the narrative, but are wild enough for a slick presentation.

Coming to the ending, it was a bit predictable. But there's something about such a sweet ending that made me feel like these two deserved it. For all the mind games and the fighting, it felt like the right place, right time, even if it was a bit too convenient for this particular story. Any more would have felt like too much.

Overall, I recommend it. It has a few downfalls, but they are easily overlooked by the simple but charming story of a dominatrix and a rich kid falling in love through blackmail and vitriol.

3.5 secret videos out of 5.

A sensually dominant vibrance paired with a comedically dark spotlight on the societal flaws that we've created for gender roles. Margaret Qualley is an absolute movie star, showcasing a performance with utter confidence in her range and complete control with her emotions. Her chemistry with Christopher Abbott is sharp and timely with a specific whit that is admirable yet terrifying at times with purposeful misdirection. The environment is predominantly stationary, only ever expanding between a couple rooms and a hallway within a hotel, but the pacing remains tense and the score seeps in desperately for a deeply fascinating experience. An ambiguous introduction that is properly complemented by a satisfying conclusion.

Nice actor showcase film. Both performed well, with Margaret showcasing her depth as a "screen takeover" actor. A rare thing to be seen. She fully dominates the role (both literally and figuratively).

It's an up and down ride of domination and submission, game or no game. Freedom or going with the narratives you're assigned in life.

It's also a love story of sorts, maybe not the healthiest, but that's how it goes sometimes in life. The acting really saves the issues with the overall dynamic and plot I had, and some unbearable scenes (the music/yelling scene I had to mute).

Overall it's a claustrophobic actor showcase film with only 2 characters. I found it engaging and packed with tension and great acting. 6.8/10.