Sanctuary Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Sanctuary?

Sanctuary explores queer spirituality and utopian sexualities through the figure of Purusha Androgyne Larkin (1934–1988), a monk, pioneering gay filmmaker, and self-proclaimed cosmic-erotic mystic. Larkin’s 1981 book, 'The Divine Androgyne According to Purusha', challenged repression with a spiritual vision rooted in eroticism and presented a radical path to cosmic-erotic consciousness through ‘extreme’ forms of sexual pleasure. Sanctuary explores Larkin's attempt to form a utopian, pleasure-based spiritual community, and considers the complex legacies of his ideas in queer culture. Shot on 16mm, the film weaves together the voices of Larkin’s friends and followers, creating a portrait in absentia of a figure ahead of his time.

Sam Ashby's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ron Athey (Himself)'s journey. Larkin’s 1981 book, 'The Divine Androgyne According to Purusha', challenged repression with a spiritual vision rooted in eroticism and presented a radical path to cosmic-erotic consciousness through ‘extreme’ forms of sexual pleasure.

How Does Ron Athey (Himself)'s Story End?

• Ron Athey: Ron Athey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Guy Baldwin: Guy Baldwin's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Ganymede Cupbearer: Ganymede Cupbearer's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Sanctuary Mean?

The ending of Sanctuary brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ron Athey's story may not satisfy all audiences.