Watch Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a dramatic film directed by Len Collin and released in 2016. Set in Ireland, the movie showcases the lives of intellectually disabled individuals who are in love and seek to live a normal life. The film is based on the play "Sanctuary" by Christian O'Reilly. The story follows the life of Larry (Kieran Coppinger) and Sophie (Charlene Kelly), two individuals with intellectual disabilities who are deeply in love. The couple shares a deep bond and is determined to spend the rest of their lives together. However, their lives are disrupted when an oppressive care worker forbids them to meet without supervision. The ruling effectively bars them from leading a normal life and poses a threat to their plans for a future together.

Larry's friends, Tommy (Robert Doherty) and Jo Jo (Paul Connolly), decide to help the couple achieve their dream of consummating their relationship. They embark on a road trip to find a suitable place where Larry and Sophie can be alone. Along the way, they encounter various challenges such as theft, deception, and a grieving mother who seeks solace from her loss. However, they navigate these obstacles and finally find a remote location where the couple can spend some intimate time together.

Parallel to this, we see the difficulties faced by Tom (Barry Ward), Larry's guardian. He is torn between his duty to look after Larry and his own desires. He is in love with Fiona (Amy-Joyce Hastings), another care worker, but he is unable to express his feelings to her. Fiona, on the other hand, is not keen on getting romantically involved with Tom as she is worried about the repercussions of an affair in the workplace.

The film is heartwarming and emotional, with several poignant moments that explore the complexities of love and relationships. The lead actors, Kieran Coppinger and Charlene Kelly, give mesmerizing performances that capture the essence of their characters' need for love and intimacy. The supporting cast too, in particular, Robert Doherty and Paul Connolly, bring a sense of authenticity and realism to their roles.

Sanctuary is particularly noteworthy for its treatment of intellectually disabled individuals. It presents them as individuals with unique personalities, emotions, and desires, rather than mere recipients of care. The film doesn't shy away from depicting their hardships and limitations, but it never becomes a pity party. Instead, it focuses on their desires and their aspirations, which are no different from those of any other person.

The cinematography of the movie is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Irish countryside. The film also boasts an impressive soundtrack that complements the mood of the scenes perfectly. The editing is crisp and moves the story along at the right pace.

Sanctuary is a powerful film that challenges the viewer to rethink their preconceptions about intellectually disabled people. The film doesn't resort to caricatures or stereotypes but presents a realistic portrayal of their lives. It is a film that will leave viewers deeply moved and questioning their own attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.

Overall, Sanctuary is a remarkable film that highlights the importance of love, intimacy, and connection in all our lives. It is a film that celebrates the diversity of human experience and reminds us all of the power of kindness and empathy.