Set in a dystopian near-future where clean water is a commodity, while violent street riots are a regularity, Drew Pearce’s suspenseful and action-packed mystery Hotel Artemis is a unique film displaying the strength of family bonds in the harshest of environments. The film’s eponymous hotel is a safe haven for criminals, outlaws, and runaways, so long as they have the right connections. Featuring an ensemble cast, this film does a remarkable job telling an original story with limited locations and characters.
Jodie Foster’s character, simply known as “The Nurse,” runs the Hotel Artemis, along with her loyal security staffer and bodyguard, Everest (Dave Bautista). A pair of criminal partners (and brothers), Waikiki (Sterling K. Brown) and Honolulu (Brian Tyree Henry) stumble into the hotel after a job gone wrong, looking for medical attention and safety. A sleazy and unsavory character known as Acapulco (Charlie Day) is also a guest at the hotel, in addition to the beautiful, mysterious female assassin known as Nice (Sofia Boutella). In the midst of the interactions and subplots occurring between these characters, the crime boss called the “Wolf King of LA” (Jeff Goldblum) and his son, Crosby Franklin (Zachary Quinto), are seeking aid from The Nurse as they attempt to escape the anarchy in the streets (Character vs. Society Conflict). When the tension in the hotel reaches its tipping point, we see some excellently-choreographed, gritty, brutal 
fight scenes (Character vs. Character Conflict). The dim lighting, coupled with an eerie orange glow in some instances, along with the dark color palette, further develop this shady tone. However, perhaps the glue that holds this suspenseful thriller together is Cliff Martinez’s outstanding score, creating palpable anxiety and excitement in the viewer.
In looking at character progression, The Nurse’s arc is definitely the most prominent. She is your stereotypical “tough old broad,” who will not take any nonsense from anybody, consistently showcasing these traits with her actions. Yet, she has a more sensitive side as well (Round Character). This “Tragic Hero/Hemingway Hero” 
combination struggles with panic attacks and a drinking addiction, ill effects from the traumatic loss of her son many years earlier. However, when it comes down to it, she recognizes that she must put the past behind, and focus on her role in the present.
An interesting vision of the future, Hotel Artemis displays the contrasts between advanced technology and a lack of basic resources. The intricate storyline manages to balance a star-studded cast, deep character development, and enthralling action sequences, in a relatively short run-time of ninety-four minutes. In an age of film with wasted scenes, unnecessary characters, and bloated storylines, Hotel Artemis strayed away from the formula and produced a memorable film in my eyes.
MPAA Rating: R
– Strong language, sexual references, and graphic violence ensure that this film is definitely not for families
– Recommended audience: 16+ years of age
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In a dystopian near-future where clean water is a commodity, while violent street riots are a regularity, Drew Pearce’s masterful, suspense-filled, and action-packed mystery “Hotel Artemis” is a unique film displaying the strength of family bonds in the harshest of environments.
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