Review: "Sanctuary"
Review: "Sanctuary"
A frenzied yet rewarding depiction of a game of psychological cat-and-mouse.
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott star in Zachary Wigon’s “Sanctuary.” (Photo courtesy of NEON)
Besides being an unsung acting talent, one thing fans of Christopher Abbott know of is his penchant for starring in mind-game thrillers involving gender dynamics. There was his one-two punch from three years ago of both Black Bear opposite Aubrey Plaza and the sci-fi horror pic Possessor where his character is embroiled in a literal mind game with an assassin invading his brain. The latest entry in Abbott’s ongoing niche is Zachary Wigon’s new darkly comedic thriller Sanctuary.
In Sanctuary, Abbott plays Hal, a hotel chain heir caught up in a strained quarrel with dominatrix Rebecca (Margaret Qualley). Over the course of one night, what starts off as a customary bondage session ends up being a game of psychological cat-and-mouse as both aim to seize situational control. Initially, both Hal and Rebecca stick to the literal script with Hal’s pleasures all mapped up for Rebecca to recite. Yet, as such topics as Hal’s place within the family business and Rebecca’s own secret role in his company ascension come into play, things get deeper than just simple physical kinks.
Besides its claustrophobic setting within one hotel room, part of what makes Sanctuary a tense experience is the committed performances by its two leads. Christopher Abbott is all charm and fragile ego as the apprehensive Hal who’s constantly on the verge of breaking down over the smallest threat Rebecca makes to his reputation and place in the family dynasty even with his indifference towards the latter. Besides being the best performance within his aforementioned thriller trend, Sanctuary might be his best work thus far in general.
However, while Christopher Abbott remains her impressive acting equal, it’s Margaret Qualley who runs the show. Whether she’s giving a piercing stare as she sits sultrily or bursts into a berserk dance, Qualley is always in full command as the mastermind aiming to be a few steps ahead in the night-long game of wits. Having previously seen her supporting role in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, it was clear then that she has a magnetic screen presence. Sanctuary is just further proof.
Qualley is fully in tune with the film’s psychological, and occasionally romantic, notes found within Micah Bloomberg’s intricate screenplay. Both her and Abbott are the dynamite center of what is a frenzied yet rewarding movie-watching experience. Darkly funny, edgy, mysterious, and sexy all at once, Sanctuary is an insane ride that’ll grip you from beginning to end. Definitely don’t miss this one!!