Directed and Written by Drew Pearce

Jodie Foster, Sterling K Brown, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista, Charlie Day, Jeff Goldblum, Brian Tyree Henry, Zachary Quinto, Jenny Slate.

In a crime ravaged and riot driven Los Angeles in 2028 sits the Hotel Artemis. Run by The Nurse (Foster), it is the safe haven for the criminals to mend their wounds. On one busy Wednesday night, as a massive riot rages outside, several individuals find themselves within the safety of the walls on the 12^th floor. Soon, the owner of the hotel, who is also one of LA’s biggest warlords, The Wolf King announces he too is on his way in.

Visually stylish, the nihilistic and dystopian depiction of Los Angeles that usually presents in end of the world, or post apocalyptic movies is one of the better aspects of the movie. There is a genuinely interesting contrast between the warm feel to the hotel, and the technology used within it, that is foreign to the technology that exists today, (or 2018 when this movie was made).

The premise is fine, but the execution is somewhat flawed, and it disappoints. Several cast members are miscast in their roles, or underused completely. It’s also difficult to gauge who we are ‘rooting’ for with so many antagonistic or dislikeable characters.

Foster is the exception for all of this, and gives one of the best performances she has ever given as the world worn ‘Nurse’, and one of the most likeable characters. (The most likeable goes to Bautista’s aptly named Everest). Her back-story is given in small doses throughout the film and her history with cop Slate, who too finds herself in the safe haven of the hotel, is the best aspect of the film.

I struggled with this review, as much as I enjoyed Foster’s performance, I did not enjoy this movie. It was far from a failure, but it’s not one I would watch again.

2/5

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