With no narrator to impose an interpretation, “Sanatorium” is the opposite of a spoon-fed social issues doc: It observes, listens and trusts the audience likewise to observe, listen and to draw their own conclusions.

The film does dive somewhat into just how the war is psychologically affecting its patients but mostly leans on the more comedic, atmospheric side. It’s a film that didn’t really move me the way I was hoping it would.

The heart of this film lies in its warmth, grounded in the minutiae of routine. Gar has built a deep rapport with each of these subjects. This space of trust allows not only for authenticity, but for a surprising helping of humour.

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