Four years after the success of their previous collaboration, “The Assistant,” director Kitty Green and actor Julia Garner come together once again to create a film that takes fear and loathing to a whole new level. “The Royal Hotel” is a gripping and intense movie set in a mining town in Australia, focusing on the experiences of two best friends whose backpacking adventure takes a terrifying turn. Although the performances and craftsmanship are exceptional, the film lacks a revelatory quality and instead provides a pummeling experience.
Inspired by the 2016 documentary “Hotel Coolgardie,” director Kitty Green sets her film in an isolated bar in a mining town. There is also a clear connection to Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 psychological thriller “Wake in Fright,” which also takes place in a mining town and explores the dark side of Australian male culture and alcohol. Green, however, shifts the focus to the female perspective, and she does so brilliantly with the help of her two compelling protagonists.
American travelers Hanna, played by Julia Garner, and Liv, played by Jessica Henwick, react differently to the situations they encounter. The film begins with a disorienting scene, immersing the audience in the loud and pounding music of a dark dance club. It is later revealed that this club is on the lower level of a cruise ship in broad daylight. Liv informs Hanna that she has run out of money, which prompts them to take on a work-and-travel assignment in a remote location. They are warned to be “okay with a little male attention,” which hints at the disturbing experiences they will soon face.
Their new workplace, the Royal Hotel, is far from glamorous. It is filled with drunken miners and locals, predominantly male. The chaotic atmosphere and the aggressive behavior of the men create an unsettling and tense environment. The film does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of the characters, showcasing sympathetic aspects of some of the initially obnoxious men. Teeth, a miner played by James Frecheville, develops a sincere interest in Liv, while Matty, portrayed by Toby Wallace, is drawn to Hanna. These relationships add depth to the narrative.
The most intriguing dynamic in the film is the contrast between Hanna and Liv’s attitudes towards their circumstances. Liv is more forgiving and open-minded, finding sympathy for the lonely Dolly, played by Daniel Henshall. Hanna, on the other hand, is deeply uncomfortable and haunted by her mother’s struggles with alcohol addiction. This tension between the characters adds to the mounting sense of unease throughout the film.
As the story progresses, Billy’s (played by Hugo Weaving) drinking becomes increasingly problematic, and Dolly’s menacing presence becomes more pronounced. The arrival of Torsten, a Norwegian traveler Hanna met on the ship, increases the tension further. The film builds towards a climactic final scene, where Hanna and Liv make a decisive move away from the chaos of the Royal Hotel, leaving behind the idea of finding peace in that world.
Kitty Green successfully captures the rising sense of menace throughout the film, creating a tense and gripping atmosphere. The cinematography, done by Michael Latham, effectively portrays the barrenness and beauty of the Australian setting. Green’s direction and the performances of the cast, particularly Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick, are nothing short of outstanding. However, despite the skillful filmmaking, the climax of the film feels more mechanical than cathartic, leaving the audience wanting more.
In conclusion, “The Royal Hotel” is a powerful and intense film that showcases the talents of director Kitty Green and actress Julia Garner. The exploration of the female perspective in a male-dominated and hostile environment is compelling and thought-provoking. However, the film falls short of being revelatory, providing more of a pummeling experience than a truly transcendent one. Nonetheless, it is a gripping and well-crafted piece of cinema that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.