‘SAUNA SICKNESS’ (Sundance 2026 short) Hot and bothered.

If you told me that Malin Barr had studied the DSM-5-TR before writing her short film Sauna Sickness, I would not bat an eye. Revealing it is based on a past relationship would carry equal weight in terms of its emotional impact. Barr is a master storyteller, regardless of inspiration. The film follows a woman staying at her mother’s country home on New Year’s Eve. After visiting the outdoor sauna with her boyfriend, they discover they are now locked out of the house with only their flimsy robes and clogs.

 

Immediately, Tobias blames Cleo. His visible annoyance quickly gives way to whining, shaming, and accusing. Cleo’s attempts to find a spare key are unsuccessful, but Tobias only offers cruelty. Sauna Sickness is a snapshot of narcissistic gaslighting bullshit. Tobias relies on her problem-solving skills to induce guilt. Cue the screaming, then crying. Once consoled, his tone softens, but not before a jab gets slipped into the conversation, just to subconsciously remind her she is not better than him.

 

This textbook case of misogyny and power struggle is infuriating to witness, and that’s the entire point. Barr presents the audience with an everyday circumstance in the life of an abused woman and gives it close-ups. Thankfully, she also delivers a touch of dark humor to offset the simmering rage.

 

Brilliantly performed, you might think Thea Sofie Loch Næss and Adam Lundgren were caught on a Ring camera rather than Malin Gutke‘s gorgeous shooting style. Sauna Sickness is ripe for development. Barr understands how the smallest of details have a huge impact on backstory. Cleo’s trauma goes much deeper than we know. Sauna Sickness possesses the element of surprise and endless potential for a feature. Sundance 2026 is lucky to see it first.