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Sanctuary

Sanctuary

His game. Her rules.

202296 minRMidcredits score: 56th percentile of all films
Director
Zachary Wigon
Starring
Margaret Qualley, Christopher Abbott, Francisco Castaneda, Kathie Young

Confined to a claustrophobic hotel room, the heir to a hotel empire and the dominatrix who has primed him for success become locked in a battle of wits and wills as he tries to end his relationship with her.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Sanctuary?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Sanctuary streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Sanctuary?

Sanctuary earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Preferred by Under-30s.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Sanctuary worth watching?

Sanctuary's Midcredits score is the 56th percentile of all films, from 113K ratings across 6 sources. 49% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

56th percentile

Better received than 56% of films

56th percentile among Drama58th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)60th
Approval (how many liked it)51st

64 /100

60th percentile of all films

60th percentile among Drama60th percentile among 2020s

Critics 67 · Audience 64

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

49% liked it

51st percentile of all films

49th percentile among Drama52nd percentile among 2020s
49% rated it 7–1051% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 83%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

83rd percentile

113K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Drama84th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 4% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$65K
Domestic gross$535K
Worldwide gross$581K

54th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A two-character, one-room battle of wits driven by strong acting and a talky script.

Fans praised

  • Exceptional two-hander performances from Qualley and Abbott
  • Sharp, witty dialogue with screwball comedy energy
  • Tight, claustrophobic direction that sustains tension in a single room

Detractors panned

  • Tedious, repetitive talk that drags badly in the middle
  • Unbelievable contrivances keep characters from leaving
  • Pretentious script that mistakes shock for substance

What stands out

Acting88

Qualley's ferocious, multi-layered performance; Abbott's vulnerable counterpart

DialogueDivisive75

Witty and fast-paced but circular and exhausting

TensionDivisive70

Psychological cat-and-mouse game keeps viewers guessing

Originality70

Fresh spin on BDSM relationship drama, but some find it derivative

CharactersDivisive60

Complex power dynamics but unlikable and difficult to relate to

EndingDivisive50

Polarizing: sweet and satisfying for some, unearned or confusing for others

Plot and storyDivisive45

Twisty but repetitive and reliant on improbable contrivances

Pacing30

Bloated middle section; better suited as a short

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 13 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Sanctuary like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want every question answered.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Dark humor
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Sardonic · 1% of films: Mocking with a bitter edge.
Told as
Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its power games with a knowing, ironic distance, mixing dark comedy with genuine stakes.
The rideThe film sustains a relentless, claustrophobic tension that never lets up, swinging between absurd humor and genuine menace.
StructureThe story unfolds in a single hotel suite over one night, with a conventional three-act shape.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's power dynamics and ambiguous motivations linger, leaving you pondering the nature of control and love, while the unexpectedly sweet ending offers a glimmer of hope.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA two-character dark comedy where a dominatrix and her client engage in a battle of wills over one night, culminating in a reconciliation that suggests a rebirth of their relationship.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% (this title) · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsPower · 2% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates how the characters construct and defend their identities through dominance and submission, ultimately revealing the fragility beneath their roles.
StanceThe film questions the nature of power and identity within a single relationship, leaving the moral balance unresolved.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Ariel Marx
SettingA luxurious hotel suite where a dominatrix and her client conduct their secret role-play.
MusicThe score adds a sleek, unsettling undercurrent to the power play.

Content guide

Is Sanctuary okay for kids?

R

Sanctuary is rated R: “Rated R for sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (29/100), sexual content at moderate (51/100), language at intense (68/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at moderate (43/100). Overall it is heavier than 18% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 10 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • New ZealandR16
  • South Korea19
  • Israel18
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Russia18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 45% of all filmsHeavier than 18% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 11%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 57%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 53%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 41%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 26%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Sanctuary have?

MovieCove's classifier found no content warnings in Sanctuary's parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Cast and crew

Who is in Sanctuary?

Cast

Margaret Qualley
as Rebecca
Christopher Abbott
as Hal
Francisco Castaneda
as Man in the Hallway
Kathie Young
as Woman in the Hallway
Dominic Defilips
as Older Phil Porterfield
Rene Calvo
as Younger Phil Porterfield
Danita Battle
as Hal's Mother
Christian Casatelli
as Young Hal

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Sanctuary?

Movies like Sanctuary include Piercing (2018), Lolita (1962) and The Big Kahuna (1999). Of the 12 closest matches, half are chamber dramas, and several are films about power.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its world: hotel. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Sanctuary?

997 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: con artist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.