“Make it sizzle”
Sauna Day (2024) offers a compelling counterpoint to Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (2023), a hypnotic feature-length documentary by Anna Hints exploring the intimate dynamics among women in a steamy Estonian woodland cabin. Co-directed by Tushar Prakash, Sauna Day explores the masculine side of this UNESCO-recognised tradition dating back over 800 years.
Immediately, Sauna Day engages in a dialogue with Sisterhood’s raw feminine intimacy by contrasting it with the superficial and avoidant communication among men. The film opens with a scene of five men, varying in age and physique, seated in a row, discussing mundane topics like a broken roof rather than delving into personal matters, despite their physical proximity and nudity.
While Sisterhood delves deeply into personal experiences such as sexual assault and breast cancer, Sauna Day showcases a different form of bonding among men, rooted in gestures, actions and ancient smoke sauna rituals — like flogging with birch or olive leaves.
In Sauna Day, the act of whipping is portrayed as intensely homoerotic, offering a release for hidden emotions. The ritual, captured with mesmerising close-ups and the rhythmic sounds of leaves meeting skin, evokes a myriad of emotions — from power exchange to the release of aggression. Perhaps even a suppressed longing for pain. Following the ritual, both participants luxuriate in a state akin to post-coital bliss, despite the absence of orgasm, before proceeding to a tranquil swim in the lake, fostering yet another intimate connection.
The film’s cinematography, helmed by Ants Tammik, utilises stark contrast to immerse viewers in the rustic sauna setting, creating an almost mystical ambience that heightens moments of intimacy. Sweaty bodies stand out against a deep black background, emphasising both the physical contours of the human form and the vulnerability of being naked before another person.
Sauna Day stands out for its refusal to simply mimic the magic of Smoke Sauna Sisterhood in a condensed form, now with men included. While familiar aesthetics and film language may evoke a sense of déjà vu, Sauna Day distinguishes itself through its partially improvised and dialogue-light narrative. These elements coalesce to form a complementary piece that utilises a centuries-old tradition to reflect on gender roles, doing so with a distinct approach and perspective.
Jared loves movies and lives with Kiki in Berlin.