Hotel Artemis | Film Review

Hey Guys x

I was really looking forward to this film. From the first time I saw it advertise, I added it to my 'To Watch' list, because it looked really intriguing and original and exciting. The trailer was great!

Welcome to the Artemis - an undercover, members-only hospital specifically for criminals, run by Nurse Thomas (Jodie Foster) who has been dealing with criminals for the last 20 years. There are rules, and as long as everybody plays by them, the Artemis can continue to run peacefully. But one night, in the middle of dangerous LA riots, Nurse Thomas is forced to contemplate breaking her own rules. With multiple dangerous guests, and an even more dangerous outside world, will this be the end of the hospital?

This film comes across as the typical 'what will happen if you break the rules' plot, but what makes it original is that it's wrapped in a criminal-based package. The audience have many different things to contemplate, so much so that breaking the rules isn't really the main plot, but rather how this will affect each of the different characters that are inhabiting the Artemis at this time.

Something that really makes this film stand out is the fact that, whatever happens inside the hospital takes place with the backdrop of a huge riot. This was such an intelligent idea, because usually when you have film like this, the criminals are the most dangerous things in the film. But with this, the riots force the audience to trust these criminals because what's happening on the outside world is much more dangerous and unsafe than a building packed with criminals. These characters are already seen as safer in comparison, and the audience can easily warm to them.

There were also a few unexpected plot twists in the film. Each character is much less black-and-white than you initially believe, and this makes for compelling viewing. There are moments when you don't even want to look away from the screen, because you honestly have no idea what's going to happen next. The film does a really good job of keeping you invested in this fictional world.

Another reason that this film works so well is because of the actors that portray these characters. For actors such as Charlie Day, Zachary Quinto and Sterling K. Brown, the roles that they are most famous for are completely different than the roles that they play in this film. So not only does this show their amazing versatility, but it makes audience members who are already familiar with their other works much more intrigued to see what they bring to this film. Other standout performances come from Jodie Foster, Jeff Goldblum, Sofia Boutella and Dave Bautista, who all play their roles to perfection.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this film if anything that I've said in this review sounds the least bit appealing. It's a refreshing look at the seedy underworld of criminal activity, and there's a character to love for everyone!

7.5/10 stars!

Lou