-IC--nHPDo5mUbQ.jpg)
Opinions
Animated film
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass (2025): Cast & Ratings
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass is a 2025 animated film directed by Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay, starring Zenaida Yanowsky, Andrzej Klak and Tadeusz Janiszewski. It runs 1 hour 15 minutes. Critics gave it 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.
Loading streaming availability…
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 15m (75 min)
- Directors
- Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay
- Genre
- Animation
- Original language
-
Polish - Studio
- Koninck Studio SPK Galicia
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
The story
What Is Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass About?
The premise of Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass without spoilers.
A phantom train on an abandoned branch carries Jozef to a remote Galician sanatorium to see his dying father. He finds the decaying institution run by the dubious Doctor Gotard, who says his father's death has not yet occurred and that the place is always delayed by an undefined interval. Jozef learns the sanatorium is a liminal world between sleep and wakefulness, where time and events cannot be measured.
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Themes & Keywords
· 7 tags- dark fantasy
- stop motion animation
- avant garde
- kafkaesque
- gothic
- based on book
- independent film
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Cast & Characters
Zenaida Yanowsky leads the cast, with Andrzej Klak as Chimney Swiper and Tadeusz Janiszewski as Auctioneer. Directed by Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay; 5 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Stephen Quay
- Co-director Timothy Quay
- Zenaida Yanowsky
- Andrzej Klak as Chimney Swiper
- Tadeusz Janiszewski as Auctioneer
- Wioletta Kopanska as Adele II
Also Starring in Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass
· 1 more From the directors
More from Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay
More films directed by Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay, best-rated first: The PianoTuner of EarthQuakes, Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, Through the Weeping Glass: On the Consolations of Life Everlasting (Limbos & Afterbreezes in the Mütter Museum) and Maska.
Ratings
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).
88 /100
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Echo Score Breakdown
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass delivers a richly textured cinematic experience that excels in visual craftsmanship and atmospheric immersion. Critics commend the film’s meticulous animation, striking sound design, and potent thematic resonance, while audiences respond enthusiastically to its singular aesthetic. Though its narrative remains deliberately elusive, the work’s originality and emotional depth sustain engagement. The combination of masterful artistry and compelling sensory layers yields a consistently high impression across reviewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film showcases extraordinary mastery. Reviewers highlight the immersive, meticulously animated environments and precise production design that evoke a haunting, gothic atmosphere. The cinematography employs measured framing and dynamic lighting to reinforce the narrative’s dreamlike quality. This consistent high level of artistry underpins the film’s overall impact.
- Character & Emotion 80
When assessing character and emotional resonance, the film relies on stylized puppetry rather than conventional performance. Critics note the nuanced portrayal of dread and wonder through the dead‑eyed dolls and their symbolic interactions, delivering a haunting emotional texture. While lacking traditional depth, the crafted figures convey a poignant human condition that aligns with the source material’s melancholic tone.
- Story & Flow 78
Regarding story and narrative flow, the work prioritizes mood and allegory over linear plot. Reviewers describe the seven‑chapter structure as evocative yet intentionally ambiguous, offering originality and a measured pacing that invites contemplation. Though coherence may challenge some viewers, the thematic continuity and surreal progression sustain engagement throughout its hour‑plus runtime.
- Sensory Experience 90
In terms of sensory experience, the film excels with a haunting score, intricate sound design, and striking visual motifs. Critics praise the layered audio that amplifies the unsettling atmosphere, while the monochromatic palette and textured sets reinforce the dreamlike quality. This cohesive sensory orchestration deepens immersion and underscores the work’s thematic concerns.
- Rewatch Factor 85
Evaluating rewatch factor, the film’s distinct aesthetic and layered symbolism reward repeated viewings. Reviewers and users alike note its immersive world‑building and the pleasure of uncovering new visual details on subsequent watches. The timeless thematic resonance and meticulous craftsmanship ensure its lasting appeal, making it a compelling candidate for multiple engagements.
-
IMDb 5.9 /10
377 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 78 Metascore
See on Metacritic
Videos
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.
- Trailer Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass (Trailer)
- Clip Sanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass | Clip | Quay Brothers
Details
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą według braci Quay” and “沙漏下的療養院”.
- Also known as
-
- Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą według braci Quay
- 沙漏下的療養院
- 모래시계 표지판 아래 요양소
- 砂制时镜下的疗养院
Seen Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass?
More like this
Movies Like Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, The Hourglass Sanatorium and Franz Kafka’s a Country Doctor.
From the blog
Articles About Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass
Our article about Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass: “Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass (2025) Review, Critics Opinions & Audience Reception – Storytelling, Performance & Franchise Insight”.
FAQ
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass?
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass runs 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes).
When was Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass released?
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass was released on August 29, 2025.
Who directed Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass?
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass was directed by Stephen Quay and Timothy Quay.
More films by Stephen Quay Who is in the cast of Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass?
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass stars Zenaida Yanowsky, Andrzej Klak as Chimney Swiper and Tadeusz Janiszewski as Auctioneer, among 5 credited actors.
How is Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass rated?
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass has 5.9/10 on IMDb and 78 on Metacritic.
Does Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass have a post-credit scene?
No. Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass in?
The original language of Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass is Polish.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
