SANCTUARY

AMC Networks’ Sundance Now features the DVD debut of the suspenseful and intense psychological thriller SANCTUARY on September 22, 2020. Based on the novel The Devil’s Sanctuary by one of Sweden’s best-selling authors, Marie Hermanson, this 8-part series stars Josefin Asplund (Vikings, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) in a dual role as well as Emmy-nominee and two-time Golden Globe nominee Matthew Modine (Stranger Things, The Dark Knight Rises) as a manipulative doctor. Sanctuary deals with the defining human issues of survival, identity, trust, and betrayal in a story that begs the question: Who would you become in order to survive? Now on a 2-Disc DVD set ($34.99, Amazon.com), Sanctuary previously premiered in April on Sundance Now, AMC Networks’ premiere streaming service for engrossing true crime, heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world.

 

Estranged Swedish identical twins Siri and Helena (Asplund) have always had a complex relationship. When Helena receives an invitation to visit Siri at an exclusive residential sanatorium in the breathtaking and picturesque Alps, she is reluctant but figures it will be a nice break from her monotonous life. Despite the peacefulness of the clinic, Helena refuses Siri’s plea for help in taking care of some business and swapping places for a few days but ends up waking up to find Siri gone. Soon she realizes that Siri isn’t coming back, and that the clinic is far from a place of recovery; it’s a facility for studying psychopaths. Helena is now trapped in a waking nightmare in which no one is who they seem to be, and everyone believes that she is Siri. Surrounded by the most predatory and manipulative people imaginable, including the director of the Sanctuary, Dr. Marvin Fisher(Modine), escape is now only the second order of business: Helena’s first problem is simple survival.

 

Also featuring a stellar supporting cast, including Will Mellor (No Offense, Line of Duty, Broadchurch), Lorenzo Richelmy (Marco Polo), Richard Brake (Batman Begins, Doom, Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders), Philip Arditti (The Danish Girl, Inferno) and Agnieszka Grochowska (In Darkness, Child 44).

 

Street Date: September 22, 2020                                                                                                                                     SRP: $34.99

DVD -2 Disc: 8 episodes   -- Approx. 480 min. –SDH Subtitles – UPC 014381129922

My Thoughts 

Sanctuary is a Sundance series that centers around two twins. Helena goes to visit her sister Siri in a sanctuary, and is tricked into taking her place. Before long, she realized the sanctuary is really a hospital for psychopaths and she doubts her twin will ever come back to set her free. Soon she finds herself in a fight for survival. This first season includes eight episodes.

People Can Change - After visiting her estranged sister, Helena discovers Siri escaped and swapped places with her.

The Truth Will Set You Free (And Other Lies) - Helena tries to convince the staff of her identity, but fingerprints only prove she is Siri.

The Jackals Are Circling - Hel learns some inmates are planning to escape which leads to her making both friends an enemies.

Suffer the Little Children - Hel tries to convince everyone she isn't insane and the true mission of the sanctuary is revealed.

The Lord Giveth, The Lord Taketh Away - Hel learns about her sister's violent past and finds herself at the mercy of a dangerous prisoner.

Staying Alive - Hel gets a message from Sir, and the escape plans continue.

Hail Mary - Hel hears Siri was killed in an accident. A patient claiming to be a doctor is disguise tells Hel she believes her story.

Will the Cycle Be Unbroken - A patient is tasered, and when a doctor believes Hel he dies mysteriously. 

This was a exciting series filled with psychological thrills. It has a stellar cast and surprising twists around every corner. If you'd like to grab a copy of this DVD, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.