Sanctuary (2023) Review in 2025
Sanctuary 2023 is an intense psychological thriller where power dynamics and mind games unfold in a hotel room. It's a gripping ride, but not for the faint-hearted.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not really. The movie contains adult themes, psychological tension, and some explicit scenes that make it uncomfortable to watch with family.
CineReview Recommendation
Good for streaming if you enjoy psychological tension and dark character studies. Not necessary for a theater experience.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
In Sanctuary 2023, a manipulative dominatrix and her wealthy client engage in a battle of control when he tries to break off their twisted relationship. What starts as a simple farewell quickly turns into a dangerous and emotional showdown where both reveal their vulnerabilities, leading to a surprising power shift.
Review Details
story6.00/10
The story has a unique premise, but it sometimes feels repetitive. The tension is strong, but the plot drags in places.
acting8.00/10
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott give standout performances. They both carry the film with their raw, emotional, and captivating acting.
characters7.00/10
Both leads are fascinating, and their chemistry keeps you hooked. However, the limited character development could have been deeper.
direction7.00/10
The director manages to keep the tension high in a single setting. It’s impressive, but there are moments that feel too drawn out.
cinematography8.00/10
The visuals are slick and claustrophobic, perfectly capturing the mood of the story. It adds to the psychological intensity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging performances and great cinematography. The power dynamics and psychological games are intriguing.
Cons
The pacing can be slow, and the plot feels repetitive at times. Not much action beyond the conversation.
Notable Quotes
"‘Control is an illusion.’"
"‘It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about survival.’"
"‘You think you’re free, but you’re still playing the game.’"
