Larry, has Downs, Sophie, has severe epilepsy. The two are attracted to each other and, with the help of care worker Tom, they sneak away to a hotel room during a supervised trip to the cinema. What do they do once they are there? How do they express a love that dare not speak its name? Are they aware that in Ireland they are about to break the law?

An impromptu shopping trip, pints in the pub, and a surreptitious cuddle in front of a movie screen. The comedian Dave Allen once said: “The secret of comedy is small victories”, and these mini triumphs offset the dramatic challenges that take place in a Galway hotel room between two lovers who refuse to be defined by their disabilities.

Reviews

“Laugh-out loud funny and hugely heart-warming, Sanctuary is an utter joy of a movie” – Charlie McBride, Galway Advertiser

“Sanctuary is a hilarious, touching and important film” – Luke Maxwell, Dublin Inquirer

“A really, really impressive piece of work” – Mark Kermode

“One of the best films of the year” – London Evening Standard

★★★★★ London Evening Standard ★★★★ The Guardian

★★★★★ Irish Mail On Sunday         ★★★★ Empire

★★★★★ Irish Examiner                   ★★★★  The Times

★★★★ The Financial Times              ★★★★ Radio Times

★★★★ The Observer                        ★★★★ The Independent