Sanctuary

Sanctuary (2023) is a gripping psychological thriller and darkly comedic drama that delves into themes of power dynamics, control, and emotional manipulation, set within a high-stakes environment of privilege and intimacy. Directed by Zachary Wigon, the film stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, offering an intense two-hander that explores the complexities of human desires, boundaries, and the power plays that occur in relationships. Plot Overview The story revolves around Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), a young woman who works at an exclusive hotel, and her complicated, power-driven relationship with Hal (Christopher Abbott), the wealthy heir to the hotel empire. Hal is ready to take over the family business, but his position comes with a sense of emotional vulnerability vulnerabilities that Rebecca uses to her advantage. The film takes place almost entirely in a lavish hotel suite, setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse game of manipulation, dominance, and emotional turmoil. What initially appears to be a simple story of a hotel worker and a privileged guest quickly turns into a psychological chess game, where each character tests the limits of the other's endurance, both physically and emotionally. Rebecca and Hal’s relationship transforms from one of client and employee to something much more personal and dangerous. As the night progresses, Rebecca’s intentions become clearer: she wants more than just Hal’s wealth she’s after power, control, and, perhaps, revenge. With Hal’s emotional fragility at play, it becomes evident that Rebecca is not just playing a game of seduction but one of survival, testing both her emotional strength and Hal’s physical boundaries. Themes: Power, Control, and Survival At its core, Sanctuary is about the dynamic between two people who constantly push each other’s emotional and psychological limits. The film explores how power can shift in relationships, especially when it involves a person who is accustomed to being in control (Hal) and someone who sees this as an opportunity for their own manipulation (Rebecca). The emotional and psychological manipulation throughout the film is intense, with each character trying to navigate their own desires while simultaneously maintaining or shifting power. Hal, despite his privilege, is shown to be emotionally vulnerable and often helpless, while Rebecca, with her intellect and emotional insight, uses her knowledge of him to exploit his weaknesses. One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way in which Rebecca, though working within a system that is inherently unequal, is able to reclaim some agency. Her actions shift from those of submission to those of dominance, making her character more complex than initially assumed. Hal’s journey, too, is about realizing how much control he is willing to surrender. His character is portrayed as someone used to being in charge, but throughout the night, he becomes increasingly desperate to hold on to any semblance of authority. Psychological Tension The tension in *Sanctuary* builds slowly and deliberately, much like a psychological thriller. There is an almost claustrophobic quality to the setting, as the majority of the film takes place within the confines of a single suite. This restricted space amplifies the sense of entrapment and heightens the intensity of the emotional battles that unfold. Both characters are trapped in their own ways: Hal is confined by his privilege and fear of losing control, while Rebecca is constrained by her desire for power and the need to survive in an unforgiving world. The isolation of the hotel suite where the characters are removed from the outside world mirrors their own internal isolation and emotional distance from one another. The dialogue-heavy nature of the film further contributes to this psychological tension. Much of the film’s drama comes from verbal sparring and manipulative exchanges. The back-and-forth between Rebecca and Hal is as much about what is unsaid as what is spoken. As the evening unfolds, the film dives deeper into themes of submission and dominance, revealing that both characters are not just testing each other’s wills but also examining their own desires and limits. Character Dynamics and Performances The performances by Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott are absolutely central to the film’s success. Qualley brings a cool, calculating presence to her character, Rebecca, one that oscillates between vulnerability and strength. Her ability to shift from an emotionally guarded figure to someone who takes command of the situation is one of the film’s most compelling aspects. Qualley’s portrayal of Rebecca makes her a character who is both enigmatic and alluring, hiding her true intentions beneath a seemingly composed exterior. Christopher Abbott, as Hal, delivers a nuanced performance as a man who is outwardly confident but inwardly fragile. His descent from an arrogant heir to someone unraveling emotionally is riveting to watch. Abbott’s ability to convey the vulnerability beneath Hal’s cold exterior is what makes the psychological battle between the two characters so engaging. His performance plays on the contrast between power and fragility, making the power dynamics feel both intense and unpredictable. Both actors also manage to balance the film’s dark humor and unsettling drama. Their exchanges are filled with moments of wit and biting commentary, making the film feel as much like a tense game as it does a deeper exploration of power, dependency, and control. The film’s sharp dialogue and the way the actors deliver it make each interaction feel charged with meaning. Cinematography and Direction The cinematography in Sanctuary is sharp, restrained, and mirrors the film’s themes of confinement and emotional tension. The hotel suite is framed in such a way that it feels both luxurious and stifling, reflecting the characters’ internal battles. The close-ups of faces, especially in moments of silence, amplify the psychological strain between the characters. Director Zachary Wigon’s careful pacing and focus on the nuances of the characters’ emotional states contribute to the film’s slow-burn tension. The restricted setting and dialogue-driven plot allow the audience to hone in on the characters' expressions, creating an atmosphere where the smallest gesture or shift in tone can signal a dramatic change in power. The use of lighting and shadows is also significant. At times, the characters seem to disappear into the darkness, emphasizing their isolation. Other times, the lighting focuses sharply on their faces, revealing the emotional stakes of each scene. This use of light and shadow parallels the way the characters shift between control and vulnerability, making the hotel suite both a literal and metaphorical battleground. Sanctuary (2023) is a thought-provoking and compelling film that explores the intricacies of power, control, and emotional manipulation within a confined setting. It challenges viewers to examine the relationships between dominance and submission, privilege and vulnerability, and how far people are willing to go to retain control over their own destinies. With standout performances by Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, sharp dialogue, and a tense atmosphere, Sanctuary is a psychological thriller that keeps the audience on edge, questioning who holds the power—and what they’re willing to sacrifice to keep it. Key Takeaways: Intense psychological tension created through emotional manipulation and power plays. Power dynamics between the characters are constantly shifting, keeping the audience guessing. Strong performances from Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. Dialog-driven storytelling that keeps the plot focused on the characters’ internal struggles. Claustrophobic setting that mirrors the characters’ emotional entrapment. Sanctuary is a unique exploration of human desires, control, and the delicate balance between survival and manipulation.