Danish Film "Sauna" Brings Raw, Inclusive Romance to the Global Stage

"Sauna," directed by Mathias Broe and based on the novel by Mads Ananda Lodahl, has quickly become one of 2025’s most talked-about LGBTQ+ films. Starring Magnus Juhl Andersen as Johan and Nina Terese Rask as William, the film centers on a young gay man’s journey through Copenhagen's nightlife, casual encounters, and, ultimately, a transformative romance with a transgender man. This relationship serves as both the heart and the crucible of the story, exploring not only love but the deep-seated expectations and rigid norms that still shape queer communities today .

Set primarily in Adonis, Copenhagen’s only gay sauna, the film immerses viewers in the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with its bars, parties, and culture of sexual openness. Johan, the protagonist, is introduced as a man who revels in this environment, working as a receptionist and engaging in frequent casual sex. However, his encounter with William—initially arranged via a hookup app—marks a turning point. William’s openness as a transgender man challenges Johan’s assumptions and draws him into a romance that is at once passionate, tender, and fraught with the complexities of identity and self-discovery .

"Sauna" stands out for its frank depiction of sex and desire, but also for its willingness to delve into discomfort and vulnerability. The film does not shy away from portraying flawed characters and messy relationships, offering an honest look at queer love that resists easy categorization. Critics have praised the performances of Andersen and Rask for their emotional authenticity and chemistry, noting how the film’s laser-focused intimacy brings the story’s deeper themes to the fore .

The narrative’s focus on a gay man and a transgender man as romantic leads is significant within the broader landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema. While queer representation has grown in mainstream media, stories centering on transgender men—and their romantic lives—remain comparatively rare. "Sauna" addresses this gap head-on, exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, and desire without resorting to stereotypes or erasure. The film’s script, by William Lippert and Mathias Broe, is careful to center the experiences and agency of both leads, providing a much-needed space for nuanced trans representation .

"Sauna" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, signaling its international relevance and appeal. It has since been selected for other major LGBTQ+ film festivals, including Frameline49 and the Göteborg Film Festival’s Nordic Competition . Early reviews highlight the film’s “sexually explosive” focus and its willingness to engage with both pleasure and pain, offering a “hauntingly realistic snapshot of young queer love in the modern age” .

Audience reactions have been mixed, with some praising the film’s raw honesty and others noting its potentially uncomfortable moments—particularly for viewers accustomed to more sanitized depictions of queer relationships. However, the consensus among LGBTQ+ critics is that "Sauna" is an important and necessary contribution to queer cinema, pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue around intimacy, identity, and acceptance .

Beyond its narrative, "Sauna" is emblematic of a new wave of European queer filmmaking that prioritizes lived experience, intersectionality, and authenticity. The film’s production team, led by Nordisk Film A/S, has emphasized its commitment to inclusive casting and storytelling, reflecting ongoing conversations about representation within the industry .

For LGBTQ+ viewers, particularly transgender men and their partners, "Sauna" offers rare visibility and a story that resonates with both specificity and universality. Its depiction of a relationship tested by societal expectations and internal conflict is relatable to many in the community, while its setting in Copenhagen—a city often lauded for its progressive attitudes—underscores the persistence of prejudice and the ongoing need for nuanced representation .

As "Sauna" continues its festival run and approaches wider release, it stands poised to inspire conversation, challenge assumptions, and expand the boundaries of queer storytelling worldwide.