#TIFF23: “THE ROYAL HOTEL” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Director Kitty Green and Actor Julia Garner, who worked together on critically-acclaimed The Assistant, reunite to deliver one of the most intense films of the year.

When Hanna (Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick), who are backpacking across Australia, run out of money they take the only job available which is at a pub in the outback. Every day the two are forced to serve rowdy, sexist men who come into The Royal Hotel. Soon, Hanna becomes unsettled by the unwarranted male advances and aggression aimed at them that grows more sinister by the day.

With this follow-up to her feature debut, Green continues her examination of the power dynamics between men and women but this time using a bigger setting to delve deeper and more explicit. As soon as Hanna and Liv arrive at The Royal Hotel tension hangs in the air. The suspense grows through Hanna who becomes increasingly anxious about staying at this isolated and toxic testosterone-loaded pub.

Garner turns in a towering performance as Hanna. Her subtle, nuanced performance has us gripped by the anxiety that consumes Hanna. Green’s assured direction enhances this headspace, creating tension in every corner and conversation within the pub. This tension builds with each frame leading to one of the most engrossing, stressful viewing experiences of the year.

The Royal Hotel screens at TIFF ’23:

Monday, September 11 at 9:30 PM at Roy Thompson Hall

Wednesday, September 13 at 12:05 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto