THE STORY – Johan thrives as a gay man in Copenhagen, enjoying endless bars, parties, and casual flings. Everything changes when he meets William, a transgender man, and falls into a deep love that defies societal norms around gender, identity, and relationships.
THE CAST – Magnus Juhl Andersen, Nina Rask, Dilan Amin & Klaus Tange
THE TEAM – Mathias Broe (Director/Writer) & William Lippert (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 103 Minutes
“Sauna,” directed by Mathias Broe, is a captivating and emotionally rich exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of queer spaces. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Copenhagen’s queer scene, the film offers an intimate portrayal of Johan (Magnus Juhl Andersen), a lonely receptionist and custodian working at a gay sauna. While the environment is filled with parties, fleeting pleasure, and the excitement of sexual liberation, Johan longs for something deeper – a connection that transcends the brief encounters of the night.
The narrative is a tender study of desire and vulnerability, focusing on Johan, who, while cleaning up after others’ pleasures, yearns for someone to stay the night and share the quiet moments that follow lovemaking. His life takes a significant turn when he meets William (Nina Rask), a young trans man who is navigating his journey of self-identity and transition. Their chemistry is undeniable, creating a rare and beautiful onscreen romance between a gay man and a trans man that is profoundly meaningful.
Broe’s direction is both graceful and contemplative, portraying the sauna – filled with steam, anonymity, and raw energy – as both a sanctuary and a battleground for identity. The film’s soundtrack, resonating with sounds of pleasure, almost takes on a character of its own. It highlights the tension between the hedonistic world that Johan inhabits and his desire for emotional connection. Johan’s journey, driven by his attraction to William, is transformative, revealing a new dimension of love and the sacrifices that accompany it.
What makes “Sauna” stand out is its exploration of the differences between the gay and trans communities. William faces misgendering and rejection in spaces that are supposed to be safe for men, such as the sauna, where he is told, “This is a place where men come to have sex with men,” excluding him solely based on his gender identity. It’s valid to question why a trans story is told through a cisgender protagonist’s point of view. Indeed, “Sauna” would have been a much more satisfying watch in the end had the story been from William’s perspective. The portrayal of Johan may evoke frustration; he is portrayed as naive and, at times, oblivious to the struggles that William faces. However, this characterization is purposeful. It highlights Johan’s disconnect and ignorance regarding the challenges that trans men like William must navigate. As Johan falls deeper in love with William, his evolution reveals a shift in his understanding of both sexuality and gender identity, which is rewarding to see.
What resonates most strongly in “Sauna” is its portrayal of William’s struggles, not just with transitioning but with finding acceptance in cisgender spaces. His journey toward top surgery is painfully prolonged, and he relies on the leftovers of friends’ testosterone gel to continue his transition. This situation reflects the ongoing bureaucratic ignorance surrounding gender identity, a theme also evident in Johan’s path to understanding.
The film highlights Copenhagen’s trans community, showcasing it as tight-knit, supportive, and vibrant. In contrast, Johan’s environment, while liberating, is rooted in a more traditional and exclusionary perspective of masculinity. “Sauna” provides a unique glimpse into the intersection of being gay and trans, illustrating the vastly different experiences each community faces, even when they are part of the same LGBTQ+ acronym.
The relationship between Johan and William unfolds gently, characterized by patience and tenderness, despite the complexities of their identities and the world around them. It’s a romance built on quiet moments, exchanged glances, and a deep yearning to understand each other’s lives, even when it proves to be challenging. Johan’s emotional growth is subtle yet profound, and the sacrifices he makes for love – no matter how illogical or naive they may seem – are poignant and deeply human.
“Sauna” is a film that captures the complexities of identity and the intricacies of love. It offers an intimate portrayal of how two people from different worlds strive to bridge their differences in hopes of making their relationship succeed. The connection between Johan and William is tender, fragile, and authentic. “Sauna” provides a rare insight into a relationship that is both beautifully complicated and profoundly significant.
