Sundance Now Adds Nordic Thriller Sanctuary

AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now has licensed the U.S. and Canadian rights for the psychological thriller Sanctuary from STUDIOCANAL.

Based on the novel The Devil’s Sanctuary by Marie Hermanson, the eight-part drama stars Josefin Asplund (Vikings, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) in a dual role alongside Matthew Modine (Stranger Things, The Dark Knight Rises, And the Band Played On). The series asks the question, What could be worse than being imprisoned in a locked-down clinic where nothing is what it seems, and nobody believes you are who you say you are?

Sanctuary is produced by Italy’s Fabula Pictures and Sweden’s Yellow Bird. It is created and written by Charlie Fletcher (Wire in the Blood) and Rachel Flowerday (EastEnders).

The drama will make its exclusive U.S. and Canadian premiere on Sundance Now on April 23.

Shannon Cooper, VP of programming at Sundance Now, said, “As the U.S. home for culture-craving TV watchers looking for their next streaming obsession, Sundance Now is thrilled to acquire the first-rate psychological thriller Sanctuary. With its gripping script, impressive international ensemble and the picturesque backdrop of the Italian Alps, Sanctuary is a perfect addition to Sundance Now’s slate of addictive dramas. We’re happy to partner with STUDIOCANAL, Yellow Bird, and Fabula Pictures to bring their edge-of-your-seat thriller to U.S. audiences.”

Beatriz Campos, head of international sales at STUDIOCANAL, said, “At STUDIOCANAL, we are delighted to partner with Sundance Now on this intriguing new series and are proud to see this high-end European drama travel across the Atlantic. We are confident Sundance Now will be the perfect home for Sanctuary and will bring this gripping narrative, adapted from a best-selling novel, to new audiences in North America.”