As the opening sequence glides through a strangely staged and dishevelled room, Kreng’s fascinating score adds to the sense of oddness that’s been created. This leads into the unique opening titles, welcoming viewers to the titular hotel and to Stefan Lernous’ directorial debut. Reluctant owner Dave (Tom Vermeir) is introduced in bed, shouting at his neighbour who’s loudly watching porn before the scene transitions into the neighbour inquiring about Dave’s emotional state and giving a motivational pep-talk. It’s a fascinating turn which sets up the feature, and its eagerness to take the unexpected route.
The closest semblance of a traditional plot involves Dave wandering through the hotel, talking to eccentric guests with overly pale faces as strange occurrences happen around them. After inheriting the hotel from his deceased father, Dave feels trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair as he lacks the strength to stand up to those who put him down, something Vermeir terrifically conveys through body language. The character’s forced to handle his aunts sudden passing, contend with a friend determined to throw a party, and endure his domineering mothers demands.
Through this grimy and decaying hotel, writer/director Lernous has crafted a dream-like dive into the surreal with mixed results. The weakest moments feel like a lesser try at Lynch, where the strange elements lack that punch which commands audience attention and unfortunately drags on. Whereas the successful instances become a haunting look into Dave’s fracturing mindset, as best depicted with a suffocating and increasingly malevolent party which morphs into a depressing school disco. However effective the scenes are, what’s undeniable is Lernous’ assured direction which delivers striking imagery wherever possible. It’s a stunning aid to this mixed-bag of a stay, although it may take more than a complimentary breakfast to ensure a return to this hotel.
The closest semblance of a traditional plot involves Dave wandering through the hotel, talking to eccentric guests with overly pale faces as strange occurrences happen around them. After inheriting the hotel from his deceased father, Dave feels trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair as he lacks the strength to stand up to those who put him down, something Vermeir terrifically conveys through body language. The character’s forced to handle his aunts sudden passing, contend with a friend determined to throw a party, and endure his domineering mothers demands.
Through this grimy and decaying hotel, writer/director Lernous has crafted a dream-like dive into the surreal with mixed results. The weakest moments feel like a lesser try at Lynch, where the strange elements lack that punch which commands audience attention and unfortunately drags on. Whereas the successful instances become a haunting look into Dave’s fracturing mindset, as best depicted with a suffocating and increasingly malevolent party which morphs into a depressing school disco. However effective the scenes are, what’s undeniable is Lernous’ assured direction which delivers striking imagery wherever possible. It’s a stunning aid to this mixed-bag of a stay, although it may take more than a complimentary breakfast to ensure a return to this hotel.