Spoiler-Free Review of "Sanctuary" on Demand: Margaret Qualley is Flawless

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Jun 23

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

"I know everything about you..."

Sanctuary released in limited theaters on May 19th 2023 and is now currently available to stream on demand as of June 20th 2023. The erotic-psychological thriller film stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-seven minutes.

After taking over his father's business, Hal attempts to end his relationship with a dominatrix named Rebecca, but an argument between them escalates into a battle for true control.

Here is the trailer:

Sanctuary is unique and dangerous in an unconventional way featuring an exceptionally brilliant performance by its leading lady. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let's find out...

The Pros:

Margaret Qualley shines!

Wow she was absolutely breathtaking in this film! Her performance was unhinged and electric in all the right ways. She stole the film and then some. I loved the different take on the cat-and-mouse formula. This is one of those films that could fail miserably without strong performances and she made sure that wouldn't happen. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was that good!

A unique concept.

At one point Hal talks about how this isn't the 90's and in a lot of ways, this film reminded me of those dark and steamy guilty pleasure thrillers from that decade. I actually love those erotic thrillers and I thought this film did a great job of honoring that genre while still carving its way into the new generation with provocative and sometimes extreme content that wasn't afraid to reach new limits.

I'm all for a film trying something new and different and I applaud the effort and execution.

The Cons:

Trippy camera effects.

I liked the overall visual feel of the film and I think it complimented the subject matter well, but some of the chaotic camera movements felt unnatural and slightly distracting. I was very focused on what was transpiring between these two characters so these camera enhancements seemed unnecessary, but I think that comes down to preference.

There were some pacing issues throughout the film and I had mixed thoughts on the ending. It was perfectly fine, but I guess I was looking for something a slight more shocking since there was so much built up before this. I'm sure viewers will have mixed views on this, however.

So am I in or out?

I'm in about 75 percent...

I'm in for Margaret Qualley and I appreciate that this film tried to do something different and edgy, but the pacing needed some work and I guess I wanted a little bit more of an explosive ending to really seal the deal.

Keep in mind that this is not your average thriller. It takes a different approach that may seem like a simple conversation at times between two parties, but it does branch out into some moments of pure brilliance worth experiencing.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Sanctuary in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON'T TAKE THE JOB...

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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