Sanctuary (2022): A Dramatic Confrontation Between Power, Desire, and Strangled Love

Following “The Substance,” Margaret Qualley continues to captivate audiences with an equally challenging and provocative turn in the psychological thriller Sanctuary — now available on Hulu.

One room. Two people. And a series of blurred lines.

Sanctuary is not an easy film to digest, but that’s what makes it different. With a minimalist setting — much of it taking place in a single hotel room — director Zachary Wigon creates a mental arena where Margaret Qualley (as the mysterious and intelligent dominatrix) and Christopher Abbott (a wealthy man about to step into a position of power) mercilessly wrestle with sharp words, suppressed desire, and dark psychological games.

Love, Control, and the Desire to Be Seen
From the very first minutes, the film evokes a feeling of suffocation and mystery. Every line of dialogue is like a punch, and every look between the two characters carries many layers of meaning: is it love? Is it power? Or is it simply loneliness disguised as desire?

Qualley brilliantly portrays her character — a woman who does not want to be discarded as a toy after her “mission” is over. She is strong, seductive, vulnerable, and especially dangerous. It is this multidimensionality that makes the audience unable to take their eyes off her.

Abbott is no slouch either. He plays a man who seems to control everything, but gradually reveals pitiful weaknesses, cracks in his heart created by his own position and responsibility.

Cinematography and rhythm: when a small space becomes a large stage
With only two characters and a fixed space, Sanctuary relies entirely on acting and dramatic rhythm in the dialogue – and surprisingly, it never lets you down.

The camera moves slowly but deliberately, the lighting is cleverly used to highlight the characters’ emotions, and the tension is maintained until the very end. It is this simplicity that makes the film beautiful – it is sensual but not obvious, suffocating but still full of art.

The ending: not surprising, but satisfying

Although the ending may be predictable for some viewers, the final emotional release brings a significant sense of relief – like an inevitable conclusion after all the things they have torn each other apart. This isn’t a beautiful romantic love, but a love of people who have been hurt and choose to forgive – not with words, but with willing surrender.

Sanctuary isn’t for everyone. But for those who dare to face the dark parts of their souls, it’s an experience not to be missed.

This isn’t just a story about a dominatrix and a client. It’s a story about inequality wrapped in desire, vulnerability disguised as power, and love found in the most difficult of battles of wits.

It’s available on Hulu now.

If you loved Margaret Qualley in The Substance, Sanctuary will be the next work that will make you unable to forget her.