With a sympathetic view of homelessness and undocumented people, The Sanctuary offers insight into social justice and the many levels of ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and its directive to round up and deport non-U.S. citizens. Based on the successful short film of the same title, this feature-length film version of The Sanctuary is directed and written by Maynard Bagang, who also stars as the lead, James.
Addressing how fear and trauma can create homelessness, Bagang’s effort to let his characters reveal their stories, rather than singling them out for their homelessness, provides a deeper understanding of the many reasons and situations that lead people to become homeless. Unfortunately, the destitution many undocumented people face in today’s society is compounding the already overwhelming situations of unhoused men and women.
Bagang presents three parallel stories with clear storylines of trauma, fear, and morality that converge in a finale that ultimately becomes a fantasy ending for a film that handles very real subjects. James (Maynard Bagang) has lost his beloved wife, Lisa (Chandra White), to cancer, a trauma that leads him to step away from his medical practice. A housekeeper, Isabella (Jasmin Davis), and her daughters, Mara (Aria Isabella Yeung) and Mina (Isabella Martinez), are sent to the streets after her employer fears an ICE raid. ICE officer Johnson (Vincent Jerman-Jerosa) must choose between his morals and his job when asked to find undocumented people among the homeless, and he becomes subject to his own undocumented worker.
“James has lost his beloved wife, Lisa, to cancer, a trauma that leads him to step away from his medical practice.”
Somehow, James manages to make it to therapy with Dr. Laura Thomas (Jobelle Salvador), which adds an effective layer to understanding his character and plight, especially when Mara needs medical attention. Finding sanctuary in homelessness brings James back from his trauma, and he recognizes he no longer wants to be trapped by grief, “finding purpose beyond the pain.”
Isabella’s family is torn apart by an ICE raid on the homeless parking-lot encampment, which presents a hodgepodge of situations and people more for look and atmosphere than for the story’s context. Finally, ICE officer Johnson’s conflict becomes his undoing, another story aspect that could use a deeper dive.
The Sanctuary lacks backstories, leading to story holes and underdeveloped characters that are apparent throughout the film’s direction and purpose—actors seem to stumble over lines and speak without connection. Perhaps due to its low-budget production, the film feels more like a play, with its lack of set design and depth, which is surprising given its title. Yet, even with an ending that leaves one baffled and sad, The Sanctuary has its place in raising awareness for very real societal problems that need to be addressed.
"…raising awareness for very real societal problems..."
