Hotel Splendide

In a bizarre, surreal hotel run by a despotic manager with an unhealthy obsession with order, a shy tax inspector finds himself caught in a strange and romantic entanglement. As he navigates the hotel's peculiar rules and eccentric guests, he develops feelings for the manager's daughter, a woman who is as alluring as she is enigmatic. The inspector's attempts to bring order to his own life are repeatedly thwarted by the hotel's pervasive absurdity and the manager's controlling nature.

Hotel Splendide received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its unique visual style and performances, particularly from Daniel Craig and Toni Collette. However, some found its surreal narrative and bleak tone challenging or inscrutable. It was noted for its distinctive, darkly comedic approach to themes of control and desire.

• Praised for its striking visual aesthetic and the compelling performances of its lead actors.
• Noted for its darkly comedic and surreal exploration of control and obsession.
• Some found the narrative to be overly bizarre or difficult to follow.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a unique and visually interesting experience, appreciating the performances. However, some viewers found the surreal elements and dark humor to be a bit too eccentric or off-putting, leading to a divided reception.

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The film's unusual and highly stylized production design was a deliberate choice to reflect the surreal and oppressive atmosphere of the hotel.