Sanctuary is a psychological thriller directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg. Starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott in the lead role of a dominatrix and Hal, who is soon becoming a CEO of a large corporation and that’s why he wants to end his relationship with the dominatrix as he fears that it will come out later. This starts off a dark and twisted night that will leave you gasping for air. So, if you loved Sanctuary here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Secretary (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lions Gate Films
Synopsis: Before Fifty Shades Of Grey, there was Secretary. James Spader leads this sexy and daring comedy as the original Mr. Grey, a seemingly normal lawyer whose relationship with his new secretary (Maggie Gyllenhaal) descends into a kinky affair that would give nightmares to any human resource director!
Eyes Wide Shut...
Secretary (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lions Gate Films
Synopsis: Before Fifty Shades Of Grey, there was Secretary. James Spader leads this sexy and daring comedy as the original Mr. Grey, a seemingly normal lawyer whose relationship with his new secretary (Maggie Gyllenhaal) descends into a kinky affair that would give nightmares to any human resource director!
Eyes Wide Shut...
- 9/23/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers for “Sanctuary,” in theaters now.
At first glance, Zachary Wigon’s new film “Sanctuary” might seem simple — it was shot in 18 days in a 1,200 square foot room with a two-person cast, after all. But within those four walls lies a complex and wildly entertaining tale full of sex, humor, dominion and desire.
The dark comedy-thriller tells the story of Rebecca, a dominatrix played by Margaret Qualley, and the complicated power dynamic she has with her client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), who is the new heir of his father’s lucrative hotel business. Because of the confidence she’s brought Hal through her sex work, Rebecca believes she’s entitled to part of his fortune. Hal disagrees.
Over the course of one long night, “Sanctuary” layers roleplay on top of reality to blur the actuality of power. The audience is constantly questioning who is really in...
At first glance, Zachary Wigon’s new film “Sanctuary” might seem simple — it was shot in 18 days in a 1,200 square foot room with a two-person cast, after all. But within those four walls lies a complex and wildly entertaining tale full of sex, humor, dominion and desire.
The dark comedy-thriller tells the story of Rebecca, a dominatrix played by Margaret Qualley, and the complicated power dynamic she has with her client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), who is the new heir of his father’s lucrative hotel business. Because of the confidence she’s brought Hal through her sex work, Rebecca believes she’s entitled to part of his fortune. Hal disagrees.
Over the course of one long night, “Sanctuary” layers roleplay on top of reality to blur the actuality of power. The audience is constantly questioning who is really in...
- 6/2/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
The poster for Sanctuary features a blonde Margaret Qualley whispering to a mysterious Christopher Abbott. Its imagery — a seeming femme fatale, an unknowing male prey and all the imagined chaos in between — evokes the height of the cinematic erotic thriller era. But the strength, elegance and wit of Micah Bloomberg’s (TV series Homecoming) script and Zachary Wigon’s (The Heart Machine) direction is their interest in subverting your (and the characters’s) expectations at every step. In Sanctuary, Abbott plays Hal, a hotel mogul’s son and heir. He has ordered a fancy meal to a decadently opulent hotel suite where […]
The post “Music Will be a Prism That You Can See the Whole Movie Through”: Director Zachary Wigon on Story Beats, Miles Davis and His Bdsm-Themed Thriller Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Music Will be a Prism That You Can See the Whole Movie Through”: Director Zachary Wigon on Story Beats, Miles Davis and His Bdsm-Themed Thriller Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/31/2023
- by Meredith Alloway
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The poster for Sanctuary features a blonde Margaret Qualley whispering to a mysterious Christopher Abbott. Its imagery — a seeming femme fatale, an unknowing male prey and all the imagined chaos in between — evokes the height of the cinematic erotic thriller era. But the strength, elegance and wit of Micah Bloomberg’s (TV series Homecoming) script and Zachary Wigon’s (The Heart Machine) direction is their interest in subverting your (and the characters’s) expectations at every step. In Sanctuary, Abbott plays Hal, a hotel mogul’s son and heir. He has ordered a fancy meal to a decadently opulent hotel suite where […]
The post “Music Will be a Prism That You Can See the Whole Movie Through”: Director Zachary Wigon on Story Beats, Miles Davis and His Bdsm-Themed Thriller Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Music Will be a Prism That You Can See the Whole Movie Through”: Director Zachary Wigon on Story Beats, Miles Davis and His Bdsm-Themed Thriller Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/31/2023
- by Meredith Alloway
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Plot: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role-playing game for power and control.
Review: There’s an uncomfortability present in nearly every frame of Sanctuary. And I think that’s where so much of the appeal lies. There’s an inherit nastiness when it comes to many different power dynamics and that’s very much true here. But it’s within that nastiness where some true intrigue lies. Because, despite one of the characters paying the other an exorbitant amount of money to humiliate him, both are getting something out of this. And it’s that grey area where the film truly flourishes.
Sanctuary is about Hal ending his “relationship” with his dominatrix Rebecca. But Rebecca doesn’t take kindly to this and tries to turn Hal’s life upside down. Christopher Abbott...
Review: There’s an uncomfortability present in nearly every frame of Sanctuary. And I think that’s where so much of the appeal lies. There’s an inherit nastiness when it comes to many different power dynamics and that’s very much true here. But it’s within that nastiness where some true intrigue lies. Because, despite one of the characters paying the other an exorbitant amount of money to humiliate him, both are getting something out of this. And it’s that grey area where the film truly flourishes.
Sanctuary is about Hal ending his “relationship” with his dominatrix Rebecca. But Rebecca doesn’t take kindly to this and tries to turn Hal’s life upside down. Christopher Abbott...
- 5/24/2023
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
In Sanctuary, a dominatrix and her wealthy client find themselves caught up in an intriguing game. Directed by Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg, co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming, the film centers around only the two players. And thankfully, Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley are more than up to the task. Abbott, who is always impressive, is terrific here as a conflicted man. And then there is Ms. Qualley who commands your attention with her mesmerizing work. It’s a fascinating film with a sharp script and two terrific leads.
Recently, I sat down to chat with Christopher and Margaret to discuss their latest. I’ve always admired the career path that Mr. Abbott has taken, and I mentioned that during the talk. He opened up about this particular role, and working with Zachary. As for Margaret, she works especially well opposite Christopher.
Recently, I sat down to chat with Christopher and Margaret to discuss their latest. I’ve always admired the career path that Mr. Abbott has taken, and I mentioned that during the talk. He opened up about this particular role, and working with Zachary. As for Margaret, she works especially well opposite Christopher.
- 5/23/2023
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
Christopher Abbott has quietly become one of the more respected actors on the indie-film scene, and his latest film, Sanctuary, is yet another example why.
Written by Micah Bloomberg and directed by Zachary Wigon, Sanctuary certainly has the trappings of a contained psychological thriller, but it’s ultimately a twisted romcom about power dynamics, starring Abbott and Margaret Qualley. Abbott plays Hal Porterfield, a hotel heir who decides to end his relationship with Rebecca (Qualley), a Denver dominatrix, now that he’s taking the reins of his family’s company. However, Rebecca doesn’t react well to the news or the severance package being offered, given her role in Hal’s success.
Abbott’s characters are often put through the wringer, physically and psychologically, and the Connecticut native also isn’t afraid of humiliation on screen, something Sanctuary reaffirms when Hal is asked by Rebecca to scrub the bathroom floor in his underwear.
Written by Micah Bloomberg and directed by Zachary Wigon, Sanctuary certainly has the trappings of a contained psychological thriller, but it’s ultimately a twisted romcom about power dynamics, starring Abbott and Margaret Qualley. Abbott plays Hal Porterfield, a hotel heir who decides to end his relationship with Rebecca (Qualley), a Denver dominatrix, now that he’s taking the reins of his family’s company. However, Rebecca doesn’t react well to the news or the severance package being offered, given her role in Hal’s success.
Abbott’s characters are often put through the wringer, physically and psychologically, and the Connecticut native also isn’t afraid of humiliation on screen, something Sanctuary reaffirms when Hal is asked by Rebecca to scrub the bathroom floor in his underwear.
- 5/22/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Sanctuary, Zachary Wigon’s twisted tale of a dominatrix and her wealthy client, opens in NY and LA, David Lancaster of producer Rumble Films recalls a speedy 18-day shoot on a custom-made set in Brownsville, Brooklyn in late summer of 2021. It was Covid, so not the easiest time for indie financing.
It world premiered in Toronto, Neon picked it up. Rumble is pretty prolific with projects including Whiplash, Night Crawler, Eye In The Sky, Drive and Donnybrook. It lost one project to a lack of pandemic insurance and more recently saw another fall away since it wouldn’t have been finished shooting by the end of June – when actor and director contracts expires and they could potentially be on strike alongside writers. “It’s a tricky world,” he said.
He’s in Cannes with eOne horror thriller Visitation by Nicolas Pesce starring Olivie Cooke and Isla Johnston that finished...
It world premiered in Toronto, Neon picked it up. Rumble is pretty prolific with projects including Whiplash, Night Crawler, Eye In The Sky, Drive and Donnybrook. It lost one project to a lack of pandemic insurance and more recently saw another fall away since it wouldn’t have been finished shooting by the end of June – when actor and director contracts expires and they could potentially be on strike alongside writers. “It’s a tricky world,” he said.
He’s in Cannes with eOne horror thriller Visitation by Nicolas Pesce starring Olivie Cooke and Isla Johnston that finished...
- 5/19/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“Dominatrix rom-com” doesn’t sound like the most obvious (or light!) sub-genre, but for “Sanctuary” stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott, the critically acclaimed romance marks one of the most fun projects to date in their respective careers. Even better: Qualley, after stealing scenes in Oscar-winning “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and Abbott, whose breakout performance in “Girls” made him an immediate indie darling, have been trying to work together for years.
“I was so excited to work with Margaret, finally,” Abbott told IndieWire during a recent interview. “There were a few jobs we had almost done together, but I’m glad this is the one that we got to do, because we had so much to do together.”
“Sanctuary” stars Abbott as hotel heir Hal, who tries to end his psychosexual relationship with dominatrix Rebecca (Qualley) after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other ideas...
“I was so excited to work with Margaret, finally,” Abbott told IndieWire during a recent interview. “There were a few jobs we had almost done together, but I’m glad this is the one that we got to do, because we had so much to do together.”
“Sanctuary” stars Abbott as hotel heir Hal, who tries to end his psychosexual relationship with dominatrix Rebecca (Qualley) after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other ideas...
- 5/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
We might as well foreground what looms large over this discussion with Sanctuary director Zachary Wigon. He has many bylines on this site. It’s easy to see the formalistic rigor of a former critic on display in his latest film, which he developed in close conjunction with screenwriter Micah Bloomberg. And yet, there’s also a distinct sense of a directorial sensibility in his vision that has evolved beyond intellectualizing cinema.
Wigon displays a keen understanding of genre in this single-location erotic thriller about the twisted relationship between a dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her hotel heir client, Hal (Christopher Abbott). As fantasy and reality begin to uneasily mingle between the two, Sanctuary pinpoints the blurred boundaries between the boardroom and the bedroom for these role players engaged in an intense bout of gamesmanship. Wigon’s direction is locked in a pas de deux with his two leads, matching...
Wigon displays a keen understanding of genre in this single-location erotic thriller about the twisted relationship between a dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her hotel heir client, Hal (Christopher Abbott). As fantasy and reality begin to uneasily mingle between the two, Sanctuary pinpoints the blurred boundaries between the boardroom and the bedroom for these role players engaged in an intense bout of gamesmanship. Wigon’s direction is locked in a pas de deux with his two leads, matching...
- 5/17/2023
- by Marshall Shaffer
- Slant Magazine
Nine years after Zachary Wigon’s feature debut The Heart Machine, the writer-director returns with another lean thriller, again with elements of romance and comedy. Sanctuary, coming in at a speedy 96 minutes, only features two characters––a dominatrix named Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) and a hotel heir named Hal (Christopher Abbott)––and a single location: the heir’s hotel room. It’s taut, sexy, and explosive, even with its clear theatrical leanings.
Wigon’s film, penned by Micah Bloomberg, follows Hal as he tries to end his business relationship with Rebecca, cornering these two characters into this hotel room, along with the corresponding hallway and elevator. The discussions soon turn personal, giving Abbott and Qualley ample opportunities to flex their chops. They devour Bloomberg’s script, and Wigon seems happy to honor these monologues, consistently pushing his lens closer and closer to their faces. It’s a showcase for two of...
Wigon’s film, penned by Micah Bloomberg, follows Hal as he tries to end his business relationship with Rebecca, cornering these two characters into this hotel room, along with the corresponding hallway and elevator. The discussions soon turn personal, giving Abbott and Qualley ample opportunities to flex their chops. They devour Bloomberg’s script, and Wigon seems happy to honor these monologues, consistently pushing his lens closer and closer to their faces. It’s a showcase for two of...
- 5/17/2023
- by Michael Frank
- The Film Stage
Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) is here for legal counsel. But her questions for Hal Porterfield (Christopher Abbott) are getting inappropriate, and fast. She wants to know about the frequency of his masturbation, how much he drinks, if he’s capable of taking on the herculean task of running his father’s massive hotel monopoly. And Hal is getting annoyed. After all, this isn’t the script that he had written for Rebecca to perform.
Rebecca isn’t a lawyer, nor an actress. Not really. She’s a hired dominatrix in a no-contact sexual relationship with Hal, who really is set to step in as CEO of his recently passed father’s company, and who really does write extensive scripts to support his unusual sexual proclivities.
Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary is a two-hander that sees a power play through the prism of performance, class, and sexual dynamics. As Hal prepares to be...
Rebecca isn’t a lawyer, nor an actress. Not really. She’s a hired dominatrix in a no-contact sexual relationship with Hal, who really is set to step in as CEO of his recently passed father’s company, and who really does write extensive scripts to support his unusual sexual proclivities.
Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary is a two-hander that sees a power play through the prism of performance, class, and sexual dynamics. As Hal prepares to be...
- 5/13/2023
- by Greg Nussen
- Slant Magazine
Margaret Qualley is ready for her Broadway debut.
The “Sanctuary” actress told IndieWire during a recent interview that she would “love to” star in a play or musical after bringing playwright Micah Bloomberg’s script to the screen. Qualley also earned an Emmy nomination for her turn as dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking in limited series “Fosse/Verdon” about Broadway legend Bob Fosse and actress Gwen Verdon.
“I love doing it, I just have never done it [on Broadway],” Qualley said. “I actually would really love to.”
Qualley is set to star in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers biopic, “Fred & Ginger,” alongside Jamie Bell. The film is written by Arash Amel and to be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, set to track Astaire and Rogers’ career spanning 10 movies together from 1933 to 1949. “La La Land” music producer Marius de Vries will work alongside Tony-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon (“Mj the Musical”) and Grammy-winning songwriters...
The “Sanctuary” actress told IndieWire during a recent interview that she would “love to” star in a play or musical after bringing playwright Micah Bloomberg’s script to the screen. Qualley also earned an Emmy nomination for her turn as dancer and choreographer Ann Reinking in limited series “Fosse/Verdon” about Broadway legend Bob Fosse and actress Gwen Verdon.
“I love doing it, I just have never done it [on Broadway],” Qualley said. “I actually would really love to.”
Qualley is set to star in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers biopic, “Fred & Ginger,” alongside Jamie Bell. The film is written by Arash Amel and to be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, set to track Astaire and Rogers’ career spanning 10 movies together from 1933 to 1949. “La La Land” music producer Marius de Vries will work alongside Tony-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon (“Mj the Musical”) and Grammy-winning songwriters...
- 5/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Charades handles international sales.
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon will be giving the darkly comedic thriller Sanctuary a limited theatrical release on May 19th, with a wider expansion to follow on June 2nd. And since those dates aren’t very far away at this point, they have unveiled a trailer for the film, which you can check out in the embed above.
Directed by Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg, co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming, Sanctuary has the following synopsis: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca. A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling...
Directed by Zachary Wigon (The Heart Machine) from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg, co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming, Sanctuary has the following synopsis: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca. A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling...
- 4/12/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The trailer arrives today for Sanctuary, which had its world premiere at TIFF in September and is now slated for theatrical release this spring. The film was directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg. Wigon has written for Filmmaker in the past, and has additionally interviewed filmmakers like Claire Denis, Lars von Trier, Abbas Kiarostami and Steve McQueen for the site. Sanctuary‘s official synopsis reads: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the […]
The post Trailer Watch: Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 4/12/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The trailer arrives today for Sanctuary, which had its world premiere at TIFF in September and is now slated for theatrical release this spring. The film was directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg. Wigon has written for Filmmaker in the past, and has additionally interviewed filmmakers like Claire Denis, Lars von Trier, Abbas Kiarostami and Steve McQueen for the site. Sanctuary‘s official synopsis reads: A wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the […]
The post Trailer Watch: Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 4/12/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
It’s his game but her rules in Neon’s upcoming thriller Sanctuary, and the official trailer today previews the twisted game being played by Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Emmy Award® nominee Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca.
A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling to keep the upper hand as the power dynamics swing wildly back and forth.
Sanctuary opens in select theaters May 19. The wide release begins on June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
The post ‘Sanctuary’ Trailer – Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott Star in...
The wickedly dark comedy follows dominatrix, Rebecca (Emmy Award® nominee Margaret Qualley), and her wealthy client, Hal (Christopher Abbott), as they engage in a high stakes role playing game for power and control. In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal attempts to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca.
A battle of wills ensues over the course of one incredibly fraught night, with both Rebecca and Hal struggling to keep the upper hand as the power dynamics swing wildly back and forth.
Sanctuary opens in select theaters May 19. The wide release begins on June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
The post ‘Sanctuary’ Trailer – Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott Star in...
- 4/12/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
‘Sanctuary’ Trailer: Margaret Qualley Holds Christopher Abbott Hostage in Neon’s Dominatrix Thriller
Margaret Qualley sets out to spank, seduce, and scourge Christopher Abbott in the sexy blackmail drama “Sanctuary.”
Qualley stars as dominatrix Rebecca, whose elite client Hal (Abbott) wants to end their psychosexual relationship after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other things in mind to punish him. The film takes place over one night in a hotel room.
“Sanctuary” is directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”) from a script by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg. The film debuted at 2022 TIFF and will be released by Neon this spring.
IndieWire critic David Ehrlich praised the film for being “such a salaciously enjoyable slice of snack-sized fun” with an unpredictable plot that toys with what it really means to roleplay.
“‘Sanctuary’ unfolds like a kinky cross between ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ and an off-Broadway play,” Ehrlich wrote. “[It’s] a story about identity and control, but it’s also a movie about the...
Qualley stars as dominatrix Rebecca, whose elite client Hal (Abbott) wants to end their psychosexual relationship after inheriting his late father’s empire. However, Rebecca has other things in mind to punish him. The film takes place over one night in a hotel room.
“Sanctuary” is directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”) from a script by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg. The film debuted at 2022 TIFF and will be released by Neon this spring.
IndieWire critic David Ehrlich praised the film for being “such a salaciously enjoyable slice of snack-sized fun” with an unpredictable plot that toys with what it really means to roleplay.
“‘Sanctuary’ unfolds like a kinky cross between ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ and an off-Broadway play,” Ehrlich wrote. “[It’s] a story about identity and control, but it’s also a movie about the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The official trailer has been released for Zachary Wigon’s dark thriller “Sanctuary,” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. The film follows a dominatrix named Rebecca (Qualley) and her rich client Hal (Abbott) as disaster unfolds over the course of a single night in a hotel room.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
- 4/12/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Margaret Qualley stars as a dominatrix that torments Christopher Abbot’s CEO in the first trailer to “Sanctuary” from Neon.
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
- 4/12/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
One of the highlights from last year’s TIFF is finally heading to theaters this May. Director Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary, scripted by Micah Bloomberg, pairs Margaret Qualley as a dominatrix with Christopher Abbott, playing her wealthy client who attempts ending their relationship (though she has other ideas). Neon will theatrically release the film on May 19, and ahead of that debut the first trailer has now arrived.
As Jared Mobarak said in his review, “How well do you know your regular sex worker? How well do they know you? What Hal (Christopher Abbott) and Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) share may have begun as a source of fun, but it’s obviously evolved into something much deeper. It’s now akin to therapy and they both know it to be true. The problem, however, lies in how they interpret what these sessions actually provide. Does Hal need Rebecca to come and validate...
As Jared Mobarak said in his review, “How well do you know your regular sex worker? How well do they know you? What Hal (Christopher Abbott) and Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) share may have begun as a source of fun, but it’s obviously evolved into something much deeper. It’s now akin to therapy and they both know it to be true. The problem, however, lies in how they interpret what these sessions actually provide. Does Hal need Rebecca to come and validate...
- 4/12/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Charades handles international sales.
Neon’s boutique label Super has acquired US rights to Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. following the world premiere in TIFF.
The Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught up in a battle of wills with w wealthy client over the course of one night.
Rumble’s David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox produced with Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films. Sanctuary screenwriter Micah Bloomberg served as executive producer with Carole Baraton,...
Neon’s boutique label Super has acquired US rights to Zachary Wigon’s Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. following the world premiere in TIFF.
The Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught up in a battle of wills with w wealthy client over the course of one night.
Rumble’s David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox produced with Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films. Sanctuary screenwriter Micah Bloomberg served as executive producer with Carole Baraton,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon is getting in bed with “Sanctuary.”
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has officially whipped up the distribution rights to dominatrix drama “Sanctuary” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts to terminate his relationship with Rebecca, as he is poised to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
Super beat out three other distribution banners for “Sanctuary” after its critically acclaimed premiere at 2022 TIFF.
“Sanctuary” is a Rumble Films Production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios. The film...
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has officially whipped up the distribution rights to dominatrix drama “Sanctuary” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts to terminate his relationship with Rebecca, as he is poised to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
Super beat out three other distribution banners for “Sanctuary” after its critically acclaimed premiere at 2022 TIFF.
“Sanctuary” is a Rumble Films Production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios. The film...
- 9/23/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has acquired the U.S. rights to “Sanctuary,” a thriller about a dominatrix starring Margaret Qualley that made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Zachary Wigon directs the film that also stars Christopher Abbott; it is Super’s second acquisition out of TIFF after it also picked up Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer,” which first premiered at Venice.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game? Micah Bloomberg wrote the script.
Also Read:
Venice Prizewinner ‘Saint Omer’ Acquired...
Zachary Wigon directs the film that also stars Christopher Abbott; it is Super’s second acquisition out of TIFF after it also picked up Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer,” which first premiered at Venice.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game? Micah Bloomberg wrote the script.
Also Read:
Venice Prizewinner ‘Saint Omer’ Acquired...
- 9/23/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Super, the boutique distribution label from Neon, has bought U.S. rights to “Sanctuary,” Zachary Wigon’s much-buzzed-about thriller starring Margaret Qualley as a dominatrix who becomes entangled with a wealthy client, played by Christopher Abbott.
The movie world premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes). The acquisition of “Sanctuary” underscores Neon’s ambition to scale up its Super label with higher-profile titles. The company beat out three other distribution banners that bid for the movie, according to a source close to the production.
The film unfolds over the course of one night in a luxury hotel suite. “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her client, Hal, who is about to inherit his late father’s position and fortune. When Hal’s attempt to cut ties backfires, the two find themselves in a struggle for control as each seeks to gain the upper hand.
The movie world premiered at Toronto, where it earned strong reviews (it currently holds a 93 “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes). The acquisition of “Sanctuary” underscores Neon’s ambition to scale up its Super label with higher-profile titles. The company beat out three other distribution banners that bid for the movie, according to a source close to the production.
The film unfolds over the course of one night in a luxury hotel suite. “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her client, Hal, who is about to inherit his late father’s position and fortune. When Hal’s attempt to cut ties backfires, the two find themselves in a struggle for control as each seeks to gain the upper hand.
- 9/23/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
TIFF Review: Margaret Qualley & Christopher Abbott Play Emotional Games in Intense, Absurd Sanctuary
How well do you know your regular sex worker? How well do they know you? What Hal (Christopher Abbott) and Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) share may have begun as a source of fun, but it’s obviously evolved into something much deeper. It’s now akin to therapy and they both know it to be true. The problem, however, lies in how they interpret what these sessions actually provide. Does Hal need Rebecca to come and validate his fetishized insecurities so he can achieve orgasmic release? Or does she do it to empower him with the necessary confidence to lead a company that’s suddenly fallen to him upon the death of his domineering father? Can either of them really know for sure? Not with money involved. Honesty demands higher stakes.
That’s what screenwriter Micah Bloomberg and director Zachary Wigon supply these characters in Sanctuary. They’ve thrust them into...
That’s what screenwriter Micah Bloomberg and director Zachary Wigon supply these characters in Sanctuary. They’ve thrust them into...
- 9/14/2022
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2022 Toronto Intertnational Film Festival. Neon releases the film in theaters on Friday, May 19.
A sharp and silly and deliriously romantic single-location saga about a hotel chain heir (Christopher Abbott) who’s blackmailed by his long-time dominatrix (Margaret Qualley), Zachary Wigon’s “Sanctuary” unfolds like a kinky cross between “Punch-Drunk Love” and an off-Broadway play. The results are delightful and exasperating in almost perfectly equal measure until a last-minute hail Mary ends the movie on such a high that even its hoarier stretches seem like they were worth the walk in hindsight.
It starts with color swirls and a heart-stirring Ariel Marx score that sounds like it could be the overture of a musical; it ends with a rush of blood to the head. In between, it’s sustained by its performances. Not just the go-for-broke performances from two of the...
A sharp and silly and deliriously romantic single-location saga about a hotel chain heir (Christopher Abbott) who’s blackmailed by his long-time dominatrix (Margaret Qualley), Zachary Wigon’s “Sanctuary” unfolds like a kinky cross between “Punch-Drunk Love” and an off-Broadway play. The results are delightful and exasperating in almost perfectly equal measure until a last-minute hail Mary ends the movie on such a high that even its hoarier stretches seem like they were worth the walk in hindsight.
It starts with color swirls and a heart-stirring Ariel Marx score that sounds like it could be the overture of a musical; it ends with a rush of blood to the head. In between, it’s sustained by its performances. Not just the go-for-broke performances from two of the...
- 9/14/2022
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Zachary Wigon, director of 2014’s involving but underseen The Heart Machine, offers another story of confused impulses and competing desires in Sanctuary, a two-hander set almost entirely in a single hotel suite. Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott make an exceptionally good team here, in a film that requires a deep sexual chemistry but keeps sex itself almost entirely out of the picture. Careening from one kind of intensity to another, the encounter excites without prurience and, like the transactions it depicts, is more concerned with psychology than sex in any case.
Abbott plays Hal, the heir to a vast hotel fortune who has spent a chunk of his pampered youth in an odd relationship. He regularly meets a dominatrix (Qualley’s Rebecca) in his family’s hotel, writing scripts with which she will goad and humiliate but never sleep with him. Preparing to...
Zachary Wigon, director of 2014’s involving but underseen The Heart Machine, offers another story of confused impulses and competing desires in Sanctuary, a two-hander set almost entirely in a single hotel suite. Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott make an exceptionally good team here, in a film that requires a deep sexual chemistry but keeps sex itself almost entirely out of the picture. Careening from one kind of intensity to another, the encounter excites without prurience and, like the transactions it depicts, is more concerned with psychology than sex in any case.
Abbott plays Hal, the heir to a vast hotel fortune who has spent a chunk of his pampered youth in an odd relationship. He regularly meets a dominatrix (Qualley’s Rebecca) in his family’s hotel, writing scripts with which she will goad and humiliate but never sleep with him. Preparing to...
- 9/12/2022
- by John DeFore
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rebecca (Margaret Qualley), a mysterious, mercurial careerist, enters Zachary Wigon’s “Sanctuary” with a determined knock on the door of an expensive hotel suite. The room — make that the entire 40-plus story hotel, and the 111 other hotels in the luxe Porterfield chain — belongs to Hal Porterfield (Christopher Abbott), the founder’s son, a self-loathing lump in pleated khakis who is in line to become the successor of a billion dollar company.
“Presumptive successor,” Rebecca says.
“Successor,” Hal rebuts, with middling conviction.
Hal’s ascension to power hinges on Rebecca — at least, so she claims — and his quavering insistence that he can do the job on his own doesn’t convince her (or us) otherwise. Unlike Hal, Rebecca was raised in poverty. (She didn’t even see a dentist until she turned 19.) What clout does she believe she holds? The film has the confidence and generosity to allow the audience to...
“Presumptive successor,” Rebecca says.
“Successor,” Hal rebuts, with middling conviction.
Hal’s ascension to power hinges on Rebecca — at least, so she claims — and his quavering insistence that he can do the job on his own doesn’t convince her (or us) otherwise. Unlike Hal, Rebecca was raised in poverty. (She didn’t even see a dentist until she turned 19.) What clout does she believe she holds? The film has the confidence and generosity to allow the audience to...
- 9/12/2022
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott are the leads of the Zachary Wigon film Sanctuary set to premiere on September 11 at the Toronto Film Festival. Ahead of the film’s release, Deadline has an exclusive first look where the main characters are seen engaging in a “battle of wills.” Watch the clip below!
Sanctuary revolves around a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engaging in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game?
Toronto Film Festival 2022 Photo Gallery: Taylor Swift And Viola Davis; ‘Woman King’, ‘Butcher’s Crossing’, More
The film was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Wigon (The Heart Machine) and written by Micah Bloomberg.
Sanctuary revolves around a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engaging in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth as each seeks to gain the upper hand. Is he hopelessly overmatched? Or is her wildly unpredictable behavior all part of an elaborate game?
Toronto Film Festival 2022 Photo Gallery: Taylor Swift And Viola Davis; ‘Woman King’, ‘Butcher’s Crossing’, More
The film was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Wigon (The Heart Machine) and written by Micah Bloomberg.
- 9/10/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in person for the first time since before the pandemic, the Toronto International Film Festival will make its grand return with a slate that builds on its expansion from previous years. The 2022 lineup boasts the world premieres of several high-profile films, including Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans,” Sam Mendes’ “Empire of Light,” Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and the Billy Eichner comedy “Bros.” However, there are a number of hot titles due to screen at the festival that have yet to be acquired. Documentaries by the likes of “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and narrative features led by stars such as Margaret Qualley, Brian Cox and Tessa Thompson just may incite a bidding war. Here are 15 buzzy sales titles to watch.
“Sanctuary”
After leading Claire Denis’ Cannes prizewinner “The Stars at Noon,” Margaret Qualley continues to shine bright with “Sanctuary.” In this Special Presentations showing, she...
“Sanctuary”
After leading Claire Denis’ Cannes prizewinner “The Stars at Noon,” Margaret Qualley continues to shine bright with “Sanctuary.” In this Special Presentations showing, she...
- 9/7/2022
- by Harper Lambert and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Once upon a time in a sugar daddy’s bed, Margaret Qualley whipped a wealthy man into shape.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” breakout Qualley stars as a dominatrix sex worker in the TIFF 2022-selected thriller “Sanctuary.” Filming recently wrapped in New York City with first look images available on the heels of the TIFF premiere announcement for this fall.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Christopher Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts at terminating his relationship with Rebecca as he is about to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
“Sanctuary” is...
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” breakout Qualley stars as a dominatrix sex worker in the TIFF 2022-selected thriller “Sanctuary.” Filming recently wrapped in New York City with first look images available on the heels of the TIFF premiere announcement for this fall.
Penned by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and directed by SXSW “The Heart Machine” helmer Zachary Wigon, “Sanctuary” takes place over the course of one night in a hotel room where Rebecca (Qualley) seduces her elite client Hal (Christopher Abbott) to disastrous ends. Hal attempts at terminating his relationship with Rebecca as he is about to inherit his late father’s professional position and fortune, but Rebecca has other ideas in store for how to punish him for daring to cross her. What’s the safe word, again?
“Sanctuary” is...
- 7/28/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Charades has unveiled a sexy first pic of Margaret Qualley playing a dominatrix in Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”)’s buzzy film “Sanctuary.” The “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” actor stars in the film opposite Christopher Abbott.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her wealthy client, Hal. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues. “Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg.
The movie is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Wilcox...
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of Rebecca and her wealthy client, Hal. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues. “Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg.
The movie is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Wilcox...
- 2/13/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott will star in the Zachary Wigon-directed thriller “Sanctuary,” which just finished shooting in New York, Variety reports.
Set in a hotel room over the course of a single night, “Sanctuary” centers on a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client Hal (Abbott), who is on the cusp of inheriting his father’s fortune and position. When he tries to cut ties with Qualley’s character, “disaster ensues.”
Read More: ‘Black Bear’: Sarah Gadon & Christopher Abbott Talk Working With Aubrey Plaza, Balancing Tension, Filmmaking & More [Interview]
“Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films, while Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films are co-producing along with Charades, which is handling international sales rights.
Continue reading Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott to Star in Zachary Wigon Dominatrix Thriller ‘Sanctuary’ at The Playlist.
Set in a hotel room over the course of a single night, “Sanctuary” centers on a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client Hal (Abbott), who is on the cusp of inheriting his father’s fortune and position. When he tries to cut ties with Qualley’s character, “disaster ensues.”
Read More: ‘Black Bear’: Sarah Gadon & Christopher Abbott Talk Working With Aubrey Plaza, Balancing Tension, Filmmaking & More [Interview]
“Sanctuary” was written by “Homecoming” co-creator Micah Bloomberg and produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films, while Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films are co-producing along with Charades, which is handling international sales rights.
Continue reading Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott to Star in Zachary Wigon Dominatrix Thriller ‘Sanctuary’ at The Playlist.
- 9/4/2021
- by Chris Eggertsen
- The Playlist
Margaret Qualley will star as a dominatrix opposite Christopher Abbott in the thriller “Sanctuary,” directed by Zachary Wigon (“The Heart Machine”). Shooting just wrapped in New York.
Written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg, the film is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues.
The feature film marks Wigon’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed first feature,...
Written by “Homecoming’s” co-creator Micah Bloomberg, the film is produced by David Lancaster and Stephanie Wilcox of Rumble Films with Ilya Stewart of Hype Film and Pavel Burian of Mosaic Films co-producing, along with Charades which is also handling international sales rights on the film. UTA Independent Film Group is managing the U.S. sale and arranged the financing.
Set over the course of one night in a single hotel room, “Sanctuary” tells the story of a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client. About to inherit his late father’s position and fortune, Hal tries to end their relationship, but when his attempt to cut ties backfires, disaster ensues.
The feature film marks Wigon’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed first feature,...
- 9/4/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Grammy-nominated singer Janelle Monae successfully walked the “tightrope” into the acting arena in 2016 when she appeared in two of the years most acclaimed films, “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight.” Four years later, her star continues to rise as she makes the move to leading lady in the feature film “Antebellum” and the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s TV series “Homecoming.” In the latter she plays Jackie, a woman who wakes up alone in a boat with no memory of how she got there. And that role could land the entertainer her first Golden Globe nomination.
As of this writing, Monae is ranked eighth in our Golden Globes TV odds for Best Drama Actress, but she’s on an upward trajectory. The series isn’t unfamiliar to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which nominated the first season for three awards in 2019, including Best Drama Series and Best Drama Actress for...
As of this writing, Monae is ranked eighth in our Golden Globes TV odds for Best Drama Actress, but she’s on an upward trajectory. The series isn’t unfamiliar to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which nominated the first season for three awards in 2019, including Best Drama Series and Best Drama Actress for...
- 12/28/2020
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The first season of Homecoming was deliberately claustrophobic, set largely in the Homecoming Transitional Support Center with nods to All the President’s Men and The Parallax View. Season 2 of the Amazon Prime Video drama is a little bit less Alan Pakula and a little more Brian De Palma, according to director/executive producer Kyle Patrick Alvarez.
“One of the draws to me was, having loved Season 1 so much, and having loved Sam [Esmail]’s aesthetic approach, the challenge was how do we translate that feeling when so much of that feeling was the Homecoming facility set,” Alvarez said during Deadline’s Contenders Television virtual event. “That was so meticulously designed to fit that tone, but now we’re going to be in forests and lakes so we have to re-conceive how to technically approach the scenes so that it felt like Homecoming but on a larger canvas. Sam was digging...
“One of the draws to me was, having loved Season 1 so much, and having loved Sam [Esmail]’s aesthetic approach, the challenge was how do we translate that feeling when so much of that feeling was the Homecoming facility set,” Alvarez said during Deadline’s Contenders Television virtual event. “That was so meticulously designed to fit that tone, but now we’re going to be in forests and lakes so we have to re-conceive how to technically approach the scenes so that it felt like Homecoming but on a larger canvas. Sam was digging...
- 6/20/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s very little that can be said about “Homecoming” Season 2 without venturing into spoiler territory, so let’s start with this: Anyone who loved the ambiguous ending of Amazon Prime’s first season, especially if you were taken by the profound connection between Walter Cruz (Stephan James) and Heidi Bergman (Julia Roberts), should enter into Season 2 with caution. It’s not that podcast creators and series showrunners Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg provide a definitive answer as to what or who Walter remembers after his “treatment” at the Homecoming facility (though they kinda do), or even that they’re dismissive toward that poignant final moment so beautifully composed by Season 1 director Sam Esmail — far from it.
Everyone involved in crafting Season 2, including new full-time director Kyle Patrick Alvarez (“The Stanford Prison Experiment”), seems hellbent on telling a story that exists on the periphery of what came before. That helps...
Everyone involved in crafting Season 2, including new full-time director Kyle Patrick Alvarez (“The Stanford Prison Experiment”), seems hellbent on telling a story that exists on the periphery of what came before. That helps...
- 5/22/2020
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Janelle Monae is more than just an incredible singer, dancer, songwriter and actor. She’s an activist and a community leader. In fact, few people have remained as busy as Monae during this stay at home period. Still, it was somewhat surprising that she found the time in her seemingly always packed schedule to topline the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s “Homecoming.”
Read More: “Homecoming” Season 2 review
Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg and directed by Sam Esmail, the first season of “Homecoming” tied multiple storylines to a fictional live-in facility for American soldiers readjusting to civilian life.
Continue reading Janelle Monae On The Challenge Of ‘Homecoming’ & How ‘Antebellum’ May ‘Trigger’ People [Interview] at The Playlist.
Read More: “Homecoming” Season 2 review
Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg and directed by Sam Esmail, the first season of “Homecoming” tied multiple storylines to a fictional live-in facility for American soldiers readjusting to civilian life.
Continue reading Janelle Monae On The Challenge Of ‘Homecoming’ & How ‘Antebellum’ May ‘Trigger’ People [Interview] at The Playlist.
- 5/19/2020
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
In today’s TV News Roundup, Amazon released the trailer for Season 2 of “Homecoming,” and Netflix announced the premiere date for the final episodes of “Fuller House.”
Dates
Netflix has announced that the second half of the fifth and final season of “Fuller House” will debut on the streamer on June 2. The first nine episodes of the season premiered on Dec. 6, 2019 and the final nine lead to a series finale. The show picks up immediately upon DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy’s (Andrea Barber) triple engagement. Jeff Franklin, Thomas L. Miller, Robert L. Boyett, Steve Baldikoski, Bryan Behar and John Stamos serve as executive producers.
CNBC has announced that Season 5 of “Jay Leno’s Garage” will premiere on May 20 at 10 p.m. Upcoming guests include Kelly Clarkson, Matt LeBlanc, Blake Shelton and Norm Macdonald. The series comes from Original Productions, a Fremantle company, and Kit & Kaboodle. Leno,...
Dates
Netflix has announced that the second half of the fifth and final season of “Fuller House” will debut on the streamer on June 2. The first nine episodes of the season premiered on Dec. 6, 2019 and the final nine lead to a series finale. The show picks up immediately upon DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy’s (Andrea Barber) triple engagement. Jeff Franklin, Thomas L. Miller, Robert L. Boyett, Steve Baldikoski, Bryan Behar and John Stamos serve as executive producers.
CNBC has announced that Season 5 of “Jay Leno’s Garage” will premiere on May 20 at 10 p.m. Upcoming guests include Kelly Clarkson, Matt LeBlanc, Blake Shelton and Norm Macdonald. The series comes from Original Productions, a Fremantle company, and Kit & Kaboodle. Leno,...
- 4/28/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Homecoming season 2 is on the way for another year of mystery and pelicans.
Homecoming is based on a podcast of the same name and is produced by Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail through his Anonymous Content production label. Season 1 of the show told the story of the Homecoming Transitional Support Center, a private facility working to treat veterans arriving home from war (and score a fat government contract in the process). Through caseworker Heidi Bergman’s interviews and interactions with young veteran Walter Cruz (Stephan James), it is slowly revealed that Homecoming’s mission seems more nefarious than previously realized.
Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg will continue on as co-showrunners for Homecoming season 2. Kyle Patrick Alvarez will direct all episodes.
At first glance Homecoming Season 1 appeared to tell a very complete story, rendering any future seasons unnecessary. But a second season has always been in the cards for Homecoming. Amazon...
Homecoming is based on a podcast of the same name and is produced by Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail through his Anonymous Content production label. Season 1 of the show told the story of the Homecoming Transitional Support Center, a private facility working to treat veterans arriving home from war (and score a fat government contract in the process). Through caseworker Heidi Bergman’s interviews and interactions with young veteran Walter Cruz (Stephan James), it is slowly revealed that Homecoming’s mission seems more nefarious than previously realized.
Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg will continue on as co-showrunners for Homecoming season 2. Kyle Patrick Alvarez will direct all episodes.
At first glance Homecoming Season 1 appeared to tell a very complete story, rendering any future seasons unnecessary. But a second season has always been in the cards for Homecoming. Amazon...
- 4/28/2020
- by jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
Based on the hit podcast from Gimlet Media, the contemporary sci-fi thriller “Homecoming” quickly became one of Amazon’s best original shows when it premiered in 2018. Starring Stephan James (“If Beale Street Could Talk”) in a breakout role that proved his leading man chops, “Homecoming” takes place on a secret government compound that is developing experimental Ptsd therapy and using American soldiers as test subjects. The first season starred Julia Roberts as a well-meaning therapist caught in the middle of it all, but from the looks of the newly released trailer, she won’t be returning for Season 2.
Not to worry, there’s plenty of intrigue to go around, and an exciting new star to deliver it: Janelle Monáe joins the cast for Season 2, promising new mysteries to unfold.
Here’s what we know about Season 2 so far: Jackie (Monáe) “wakes in a rowboat adrift a lake, with no memory...
Not to worry, there’s plenty of intrigue to go around, and an exciting new star to deliver it: Janelle Monáe joins the cast for Season 2, promising new mysteries to unfold.
Here’s what we know about Season 2 so far: Jackie (Monáe) “wakes in a rowboat adrift a lake, with no memory...
- 4/28/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Anthology series are the name of the game with scripted television at the moment. It’s far easier to start fresh and retain the spirit of a series than continue a story that might have already run its course. Such is the case with Amazon Prime Video’s series “Homecoming.” The show, an adaptation of the podcast of the same name, saw Julia Roberts engage in a Hitchcockian tale of paranoia and government corruption during its first season.
Now, the first teaser for Season 2 shows us the sense of unease remains even if we aren’t clear on what the story is, exactly. The 30-second teaser introduces us to our new leading lady, played by Janelle Monáe, as she wakes up in a canoe in the center of a lake. From there the trailer gives us nothing more than snatches of different characters, two of whom were in “Homecoming” Season...
Now, the first teaser for Season 2 shows us the sense of unease remains even if we aren’t clear on what the story is, exactly. The 30-second teaser introduces us to our new leading lady, played by Janelle Monáe, as she wakes up in a canoe in the center of a lake. From there the trailer gives us nothing more than snatches of different characters, two of whom were in “Homecoming” Season...
- 4/8/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Amazon has dropped a new teaser for Season 2 of “Homecoming,” and it opens to find star Janelle Monáe alone in a rowboat in the middle of a lake — with no oars.
In the new season, which premieres May 22, Monáe’s character has no memory of how she wound up in the middle of a lake — or even who she is. “Her ensuing search for identity will lead her into the heart of the Geist Group, the unconventional wellness company behind the Homecoming Initiative,” according to Amazon.
Stephan James reprises his role as Walter Cruz, “who is trying to build a new life following the traumas of war and the Homecoming Initiative, when he begins to realize that there’s an even more insidious version of the program underway — if only he can remember,” Amazon adds.
Also Read: Amazon Prime Video to Stream Titles From Canceled 2020 SXSW Film Festival For Free...
In the new season, which premieres May 22, Monáe’s character has no memory of how she wound up in the middle of a lake — or even who she is. “Her ensuing search for identity will lead her into the heart of the Geist Group, the unconventional wellness company behind the Homecoming Initiative,” according to Amazon.
Stephan James reprises his role as Walter Cruz, “who is trying to build a new life following the traumas of war and the Homecoming Initiative, when he begins to realize that there’s an even more insidious version of the program underway — if only he can remember,” Amazon adds.
Also Read: Amazon Prime Video to Stream Titles From Canceled 2020 SXSW Film Festival For Free...
- 4/8/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Janelle Monáe is one of the busiest entertainers working today. But the Grammy-winning artist said that getting the chance to star in the Amazon series “Homecoming” was an opportunity worth prioritizing.
“When I saw Season 1 and I listened to the podcast, I was a fan. When I had the opportunity to be a part of the show, I said, ‘Hell yeah!’ I moved my schedule around and I made it happen,” Monáe said at Tuesday’s Television Critics Association press tour. “It’s just been an honor to join this family and to push myself as an artist to give the best performance that I possibly can.”
Monáe will step into a lead role on the show that previously starred Julia Roberts. While Season 2 will return cast members Stephan James and Hong Chau, Monáe will play a character who wakes up in a canoe on the middle of a river...
“When I saw Season 1 and I listened to the podcast, I was a fan. When I had the opportunity to be a part of the show, I said, ‘Hell yeah!’ I moved my schedule around and I made it happen,” Monáe said at Tuesday’s Television Critics Association press tour. “It’s just been an honor to join this family and to push myself as an artist to give the best performance that I possibly can.”
Monáe will step into a lead role on the show that previously starred Julia Roberts. While Season 2 will return cast members Stephan James and Hong Chau, Monáe will play a character who wakes up in a canoe on the middle of a river...
- 1/14/2020
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The second season of Amazon drama Homecoming will be more expansive than the first with much of the action taking place outside of the Homecoming Transitional Support Center.
The cast and crew of the psychological thriller, including new star Janelle Monáe, talked up the differences between season one of the show, which starred Julia Roberts, and the forthcoming season, which airs later this spring, at the Winter TCA press tour.
In the second season, Monáe’s character wakes in a rowboat adrift a lake, with no memory of how she got there — or even who she is. Her ensuing search for identity will lead her into the heart of the Geist Group, the unconventional wellness company behind the Homecoming Initiative.
Co-creator and exec producer Eli Horowitz admitted that the team, which also includes co-creator Michael Bloomberg, Kyle Patrick Alvarez and exec producer Sam Esmail learned a number of lessons between the two seasons.
The cast and crew of the psychological thriller, including new star Janelle Monáe, talked up the differences between season one of the show, which starred Julia Roberts, and the forthcoming season, which airs later this spring, at the Winter TCA press tour.
In the second season, Monáe’s character wakes in a rowboat adrift a lake, with no memory of how she got there — or even who she is. Her ensuing search for identity will lead her into the heart of the Geist Group, the unconventional wellness company behind the Homecoming Initiative.
Co-creator and exec producer Eli Horowitz admitted that the team, which also includes co-creator Michael Bloomberg, Kyle Patrick Alvarez and exec producer Sam Esmail learned a number of lessons between the two seasons.
- 1/14/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Janelle Monáe doesn’t “live [her] life in a binary way.” Therefore, she doesn’t look at her body of work as being a musician first and an actor second, or vice versa. Instead, she just wants to “tell stories that need to be told,” she said at the Television Critics Assn. press tour panel for her upcoming season of “Homecoming” on Amazon Prime Video.
“I consider myself a storyteller and when I saw Season 1 and I listened to the podcast, I was a fan,” Monáe said of her new gig. “I’ve always tried to get rid of all of those things — any labels — and work on my journey, wherever that may be. I do feel like I am an experience, I am on self-discovery, and I just want to continue to show love to everyone who continues to live outside of the binary.”
Although her schedule is very busy,...
“I consider myself a storyteller and when I saw Season 1 and I listened to the podcast, I was a fan,” Monáe said of her new gig. “I’ve always tried to get rid of all of those things — any labels — and work on my journey, wherever that may be. I do feel like I am an experience, I am on self-discovery, and I just want to continue to show love to everyone who continues to live outside of the binary.”
Although her schedule is very busy,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Searchlight Television has hired Gina Kwon, former Co-Head of TV Comedy at Amazon Studios, as its new Head of Development and Production. She begins her new job on January 13.
“We are longtime fans of Gina and thrilled that she will be bringing her impeccable taste, deep relationships and extensive experience working with the world’s best storytellers to Searchlight TV,” said Searchlight Pictures’ Presidents of Production for Film and Television Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum to whom Kwon will report.
Kwon previously worked alongside Ryan Andolina at Amazon Studios, where they shepherded a slate of award-winning TV shows, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Fleabag, Golden Globe-winning Transparent, One Mississippi, Good Omens, Catastrophe from Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, Undone from Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and Homecoming from Micah Bloomberg, Eli Horowitz and Sam Esmail. Most recently, Kwon developed and oversaw Amazon’s hit show Modern Love, John Carney...
“We are longtime fans of Gina and thrilled that she will be bringing her impeccable taste, deep relationships and extensive experience working with the world’s best storytellers to Searchlight TV,” said Searchlight Pictures’ Presidents of Production for Film and Television Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum to whom Kwon will report.
Kwon previously worked alongside Ryan Andolina at Amazon Studios, where they shepherded a slate of award-winning TV shows, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Fleabag, Golden Globe-winning Transparent, One Mississippi, Good Omens, Catastrophe from Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney, Undone from Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and Homecoming from Micah Bloomberg, Eli Horowitz and Sam Esmail. Most recently, Kwon developed and oversaw Amazon’s hit show Modern Love, John Carney...
- 1/9/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Joan Cusack (In & Out) and Mary Holland (Veep) are set for recurring roles on the second season of Amazon’s psychological thriller drama series Homecoming, from Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail.
Homecoming‘s second season will deviate from the popular Gimlet Media’s podcast which Season 1 was based on and will introduce new characters.
Cusack will portray Francine Bunda, an Army officer with an unconventional approach to the job. Holland will play Wendy, an ambitious executive in Geist’s R&d department.
Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg, Homecoming is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Ucp. The season is directed and executive produced by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, executive produced by Sam Esmail through his production company Esmail Corp; as well as Mr. Robot executive producer Chad Hamilton of Anonymous Content; Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg; Kyle Alvarez; and Chris Giliberti, Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber of Gimlet Media. Julia Roberts...
Homecoming‘s second season will deviate from the popular Gimlet Media’s podcast which Season 1 was based on and will introduce new characters.
Cusack will portray Francine Bunda, an Army officer with an unconventional approach to the job. Holland will play Wendy, an ambitious executive in Geist’s R&d department.
Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg, Homecoming is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Ucp. The season is directed and executive produced by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, executive produced by Sam Esmail through his production company Esmail Corp; as well as Mr. Robot executive producer Chad Hamilton of Anonymous Content; Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg; Kyle Alvarez; and Chris Giliberti, Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber of Gimlet Media. Julia Roberts...
- 12/17/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.