Hotel Poseidon (2021) Review

I wasn’t able to get a ticket for Hotel Poseidon when it screened at Frightfest but from the reactions of friends who did I knew I would have to catch it as soon as possible.

When asked what they thought the general consensus was ‘utterly bizarre’, and any attempts at providing a succinct synopsis were quickly abandoned, deeming the film simply inexplicable. Whilst that perhaps wouldn’t entice all audiences, I was intrigued, so I was glad to see I would get the opportunity to experience for myself when it was announced to be screening at Grimmfest.

The Belgian feature comes from director Stefan Lernous and follows hotel proprietor Dave through a series of increasingly surreal events within the dilapidated building. Visually, the feature is stunning from the get go. In the very first moments of the film, the camera pans around a series of seemingly random objects until everything aligns to spell out the title. This attention to detail is carried throughout the film, and much like the objects aligning to show their true meaning, the abstract nature of the film has the viewer trying to piece together the strange events in a similar manner.

Everything about Hotel Poseidon, from the hotel itself to the unusual guests and staff, is distinctly dank and grimy. Yet within the grunge is something oddly beautiful and I found myself captivated by every scene and character. The impressive visuals are backed up by a similarly alluring score that shifts between entrancing synthwave to extremely unnerving tones in a way that cleverly leaves you tensed and unable to relax.

Leading man Dave (Tom Vermeir) is portrayed as a lethargic, lacklustre individual who is clearly struggling with motivation and dealing with significant depression. Where Dave is reserved and quiet, he is surrounded by an assortment of over the top individuals that are in their own unique ways alarmingly unnerving. From the exaggerated performances to the striking, garish make up – Hotel Poseidon gives off an air of a production from a Victorian theatre troupe, with a little campy cabaret thrown in for good measure.

The stylistic choices feel at times, a deliberate direction intended to emphasise particular characteristics. For example, the mysterious and attractive young woman that checks in to the hotel early on is dressed like any woman you could pass on the street. But her ghostly pallor gives her a feel of a painted porcelain doll, and something about this gives her a sense of fragility that Dave is drawn to.

It is this contrast between Dave’s withdrawn nature and the excessive nature of everyone else that seems to really underline his perception of the world around him. From his depressed state, everything seems garish and extravagant, leaving the audience to wonder at times if the bizarre events and interactions are a manifestation of his declining mental health – the dilapidated hotel falling into disrepair just like his mind.

Before you can get to grips with any tangible interpretation, everything is turned upside down, with the final third of the film increasing at a fierce and somewhat feral feeling pace. The insanity ramps up with a heart pounding bizarre scene that feels somewhat similar to the vibe of Mother!from Darren Aronofsky.

You never quite manage to find your balance with this film, but it is a wild ride that should be enjoyed for what it is. Hotel Poseidon will leave you feeling uncomfortable and confused, so I get that it’s not for everyone. Many may be put off by its surreal artistic nature however I really enjoyed this, coming away feeling like it was a real sensory experience.

You won’t necessarily be able to make sense of anything, with sequences feeling like a drug induced dream sequence from the Hotel California, but it looks great.

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