Sauna is a bold and intimate reimagining of Romeo and Juliet that delves into themes of love, belonging, and identity within Copenhagen’s queer community. At its heart is the story of Johan, a gay man yearning for connection, and William, a trans man navigating the early stages of his transition. What begins as a Grindr hookup evolves into a profound bond that both heals and challenges them, set against the charged, transformative backdrop of a gay sauna.

“I had never seen a love story between a trans gay man and a cis gay man before,” says director Mathias Broe, who was eager to bring fresh perspectives to queer cinema. The film grapples with the universal questions faced by LGBTQ+ people while also reflecting Broe’s own life—his real-life partner began transitioning during the film’s production.

Click HERE to read John Stein’s interview with Mathias Broe.