Tender Danish Drama Exploring Complex Queer Yearnings

In the delightful **Scandi-pop anthem** “All the Pretty Boys” by Anton Falck, the singer dreams of a world where he can be the charming prince, surrounded by alluring men and free from rejection. For **Johan**, the protagonist of the emotionally poignant film **Sauna**, this fantasy seems within reach. A fresh arrival in Copenhagen, he embarks on a journey to live authentically as a young gay man. Working the reception at **Adonis**, a male-only bathhouse, Johan immerses himself in a world bursting with **sensual sounds, enticing aromas,** and the raw **physicality of desire**.

Even the less glamorous aspects of Johan’s job—cleaning sticky floors and sanitizing glory holes—are overshadowed by the thrill of anonymous flings, one-night stands, and the vibrancy of queer nightlife. **Copenhagen** offers hedonistic pleasures that his hometown of **Odense** never could, and Johan almost convinces himself that these fleeting moments are sufficient. Almost.

Portrayed with a delicate blend of **innocence and sensitivity** by **Magnus Juhl Andersen**, Johan is almost a mythical creature within the queer subculture. A strikingly attractive blond with a fit physique, he remains blissfully unaware of his worth in a world rife with physical desire. However, the empty encounters do little to quench his thirst for a **deeper emotional connection**. This shifts dramatically when he meets **William**, played by **Nina Rask**.

What begins as a mere **Grindr hookup** takes an unexpected turn, blossoming into a **powerful emotional and physical connection**. This tender romance is notable for its refusal to condemn Johan, despite his frequent missteps in navigating the nuanced landscape of their relationship.

A significant moment arises during their initial encounter when Johan is taken aback as William asks him **not to touch his chest**, which he keeps covered while awaiting top surgery. “I’ve never been with a trans man before,” admits Johan, but William’s cool reply—“Maybe you should have read my profile” —adds layers to their interaction. Eventually, Johan’s charisma wins William over, leading to a series of intimate encounters that deepen their bond.

The evolution of their relationship is marked by **natural chemistry**, capturing the essence of love, misunderstandings, and the pain of emotional growth. The duo’s chemistry amplifies their conflicts, making them feel relatable and authentic. Director **Mathias Broe** excels in unpacking the **complex dynamics** between gay men in accepting environments versus the struggles faced by trans individuals, amplifying an often-overlooked narrative.

While Johan is surrounded by friendships, including his flirtatious coworker **Asif** (Dilan Amin) and supportive bathhouse owner **Michael** (Klaus Tange), he grapples with a sense of isolation. Conversely, William is integrated into a vibrant circle of trans friends, forming his support system. This stark contrast heightens the emotional stakes of their union.

Additional layers of complexity surround their coming-out experiences. William enjoys familial acceptance, while Johan has never had the courage to fully disclose his identity to his father, leaving a chasm in his personal journey.

This film resonates deeply with Broe’s own experiences, as his partner underwent transition during **Sauna**’s development, infusing the narrative with authenticity and empathy.

In a heart-wrenching scene, Johan lovingly applies **Testogel** to William’s thighs, reflecting the tenderness of their relationship. In another moment, William presents Johan with a strap-on for an intimate scene that showcases vulnerability and allows them to explore their identities in a **delightfully subversive way**. This exploration leads to a **sweet yet awkward chemistry**, highlighting the bravery it takes to navigate such personal spaces.

However, Johan makes a critical error by inviting William to **Adonis** on his day off, failing to recognize the potential danger for a trans man in such an environment. Their locker room experience escalates awkwardness, culminating in a confrontation with an angry manager, resulting in William feeling unwelcome and leaving before Johan can make amends.

Reeling from their separation, Johan struggles to reconcile his feelings, trailing William to a **trans club** and attempting to forge connections with his new circle. His well-intentioned gestures often come off as clumsy or intrusive, highlighting the challenges of allyship in uncomfortable scenarios. Eventually, Johan does find a way to apologize for the Adonis incident, yet the wounds linger.

William’s challenges extend beyond personal rejection; he faces systemic barriers at the **Gender Identity Clinic**, which fails to recognize his identities as both trans and gay. Johan, oblivious to William’s struggles for support, finds himself increasingly out of touch, exacerbating their emotional divide.

As desperation takes hold, Johan’s actions spiral— resorting to theft at work to finance William’s surgery, directly costing him his job and further straining their relationship. Ultimately, he plunges into risky choices, including seeking sex work, further illustrating the **consequences of societal expectations**.

While some narrative choices may feel cliched, such as the story of Michael losing his partner to AIDS pre-marriage equality, these moments carry weight. The film encapsulates **intergenerational narratives** within the queer community, drawing parallels between past struggles and contemporary identities.

In conclusion, **Sauna** captures the **emotional intricacies** of queer love with a maturity that avoids melodrama. William’s character displays both strength and vulnerability, embodying the complex realities of navigating love with a partner who may not fully understand the depth of their struggles. The film is a tender exploration of longing, identity, and the barriers that complicate intimacy in a world still grappling with acceptance.