Sanctuary follows the story of Talia, a five-year-old girl of New Zealand and Samoan decent who is struggling to deal with the death of her beloved Papa. Set over a period of four days when her Papa's body has been brought home to be with the family, Talia observes those around her as they struggle with their grief. But Talia lives in a state of denial choosing to escape to the sanctuary of her Papa's old car rather than hold vigil with her family. It is here where she feels the most connected to her Papa and where she must eventually come to a place of acceptance about his death.