Movie spotlight
Hotel on the Koppies
Two storylines involving artists in lockdown intersect in this South African drama about creativity, mindfulness and wellbeing. Jabu is an ambitious auteur plagued by demons, who accepts a place on the jury at a film festival in Johannesburg so he can be closer to his young son. He has been clean for months now, and is working on the side as part of the scriptwriting team for the most popular soap in South Africa. All with the aim of becoming the father he previously failed to be. Roxanne is a filmmaker on the verge of her international breakthrough, struggling with an unwanted pregnancy – which in South Africa cannot legally be terminated.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote, isolated hotel perched on the Koppies, a weekend getaway for a group of estranged friends quickly devolves into a psychological thriller. As secrets unravel and paranoia sets in, they find themselves trapped by unseen forces and their own buried truths. The lines between reality and delusion blur as they fight for survival against each other and the mysterious circumstances surrounding their stay.
Critical Reception
Hotel on the Koppies garnered mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its atmospheric tension and suspenseful narrative. While some found the pacing occasionally uneven, the performances, particularly from the lead cast, were frequently highlighted. The film was noted for its exploration of complex character dynamics and its ability to create a sense of claustrophobic unease.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and psychological depth.
Strong performances from the main cast elevate the tension.
Some viewers noted a slow build-up in the narrative.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Hotel on the Koppies' is not widely available through Google reviews.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in a real, remote hotel, which added to the authentic sense of isolation and atmosphere.
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