Nordic Film Festival 2014: Hotell (2013)

by Maryann O'Connor on 29/12/2014

Hotell

In this time of increased knowledge and acceptance of mental health problems, it still seems that very few film-makers are willing to tackle the affliction in a meaningful way. Conversely, writer and director of Hotell Lisa Langseth has exhibited no fear in telling this compelling story of pain and humour. Erika (Alicia Vikander, A Royal Affair 2012) gets a shock when her seemingly ordered existence suddenly takes a turn for the unordered. She withdraws within herself and only re-emerges when others at a support group voice a feeling that is familiar to her: the need to be someone else. The group decide to take some time out from their respectively disappointing lives to do just that.

Mental health focus aside, each character is extremely well drawn. The central relationship turns out to be between Erika and the Mayan-obsessed Rikard (David Dencik, Serena 2014) who has issues which perfectly, surprisingly, fit in with Erika’s need, and not the budding romance between two other members of the group, the young woman (Mira Eklund) who feels unnoticed and the secretive try-hard man (Henrik Norlén). Vikander seemingly effortlessly accesses the impotent agony of her character’s situation, her pain a physical lump onscreen beside her. Dencik’s character is joyously unashamed and visibly relishes the chance to involve the whole group in his attempts to achieve equilibrium. He is the source of much of the humour.

Each character is minutely revealed as their attempt to escape from reality draws on, spending time helping each other to get some sort of closure; an extreme bout of therapy where no one is trained, understandably leading to some diverting results.

Hotell is at once reassuring, embarrassing and heartrendingly specific. Director Langseth should be commended for her tightrope choice of subject, especially for the situation endured by her hero Erika. The close focus on the group leaves no room for drawing back from the situation, almost as if the viewer is also on the trip and having to focus intently on their own mirror image.

The fantasy presented is the most compelling and repellent aspect of the film; who among us would say no to the chance to be someone else for a day or two at the very least? This Swedish drama is a true gem and an admirable accomplishment for Lisa Langseth.

Maryann has awarded Hotell (2013) four Torches of Truth 

four torches

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