Sanctuary ★★½

THE set-up for 2023 drama Sanctuary is a good one, but unfortunately the execution leaves a fair bit to be desired.

It’s a two-hander about the disintegration of a relationship that is played out in a single location.

When we meet Hal and Rebecca they are taking part in one of their regular trysts which centres on a relationship built on a dominatrix and submissive dynamic.

The nature of the relationship is slowly dissected, laid bare and starts to unravel when Hall seeks to end their affair.

Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley are usually very dependable but, along with the script, they are at fault for creating characters that just don’t seem like real people.

Ultimately, despite the mostly dialogue-driven narrative, you don’t get to know much about either character and therefore the motivations behind their actions are often hard to follow.

As the story plays out things get a little more believable, but not enough for a satisfying whole.