Watch Hotel Splendide

Hotel Splendide is a 2000 British comedy-drama film directed by Terence Gross and starring Toni Collette, Daniel Craig, and Katrin Cartlidge. The movie follows the story of the eccentric proprietors of the titular hotel, which is a rundown establishment on a remote island. The manager of the hotel, Kath (Toni Collette), is a perfectionist who is determined to hold the hotel to her exacting standards, no matter the cost.

The plot of the movie revolves around the arrival of an anonymous health inspector who mysteriously disappears soon after his arrival. Kath is determined to find out what happened to him, even as she struggles to keep the hotel running in the face of mounting challenges. She is aided in her quest by her brother (Daniel Craig) and a cast of quirky characters, including a chef who uses unconventional ingredients, a housekeeper with a dark secret, and a masseuse who practices a bizarre form of therapy.

As the story unfolds, we learn more about the characters and their histories. Kath, for example, is revealed to be a former nun who left the church after becoming disillusioned with the strict rules and regulations. Her brother is a former drug addict who has found a new purpose in life running the hotel with his sister. The various staff members all have their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, which make them stand out from the usual movie stereotypes.

The movie is shot in a drab, muted color palette, which adds to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia that pervades the hotel. The use of close-ups and tight framing also contributes to the sense of confinement, as we are often shown the characters in tight spaces, surrounded by the clutter and chaos of the hotel.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the movie is the performances of the actors. Toni Collette, in particular, is fantastic as Kath, capturing both her fierce determination and her vulnerability. Daniel Craig is also excellent as her brother, bringing a sense of latent menace to his portrayal of the reformed addict. Katrin Cartlidge shines as the housekeeper, injecting a note of tragedy and darkness into her performance.

The movie's tone is somewhat difficult to pin down. On the one hand, it is a comedy, with many laugh-out-loud moments and a whimsical sense of humor. On the other hand, it is a drama, with dark undertones and moments of genuine pathos. The movie has been compared to the works of Wes Anderson, and there is certainly a similarity in terms of the quirky, offbeat characters and the meticulous attention to detail.

Overall, Hotel Splendide is a unique and fascinating movie. It is a testament to the skill of the director and the actors that they are able to take such an unusual premise and turn it into something that is both funny and poignant. The movie is a must-see for fans of offbeat cinema, as well as anyone who appreciates excellent acting and a well-crafted story.

Hotel Splendide is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.