SW Representation in Film: Sanctuary
"This is Rebecca, We're in love. And she's in charge now."
"Sanctuary is one of my favorite sex worker movies (I’m also partial to Christopher Abbott) even though it doesn’t score well on The Red Light Rules. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time (there is also OTHER kinds of edging happening skjisjksjs) and I just loooove a sick bitch! I love that she pushes the BDSM session to its extreme limits (it takes him hours before using his safe word, btw) and then she says, “actually, I’M NOT DONE.” There’s a conversation of ethics here and also, IS THERE? You tell me."
– Raquel
"I did not know what to expect going into this film. I knew the basics that she, Rebecca, was a dominatrix and the entirety of the film consisted of only her and the guy, Hal. This movie took me for a riiiide and I loved it! They portrayed the domme/sub dynamic very well; and it being just the two of them throughout the whole film makes you completely enveloped in that dynamic.
Though the film did technically score low on our Red Light Rules it wasn't a bad portrayal of sex work. The story was still in favor of the sex worker protagonist, it just didn't tell the story of who she was outside of that hotel room (which I did not mind!). In the end, I would say this is a must watch!
P.S.– Sanctuary is an amazing safe word."
– Mel
Sanctuary scored 2/4 on The Red Light Rules test that assess portrayals of sex work in film.
- Does the film show an understanding of choice, circumstance, and/or coercion? yes
- Does the SWer interact with another person in a positive manner unrelated to SW? no
- Does the SWer have a storyline, hobby, or interest outside of SW? no
- Does the film have a happy and/or non-traumatic ending for the SWer? yes
