Hospitality

Hospitality is a 2018 thriller directed by Nick Chakwin and David Guglielmo. The movie stars Emmanuelle Chriqui, Sam Trammell, JR Bourne, and Jim Beaver. It tells the story of a woman named Donna who lives a quiet life running a small motel in rural New York. Donna's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets an enigmatic drifter named Cam, who checks into the motel looking for a room for the night.

Cam is charming and affable, but Donna senses that there is something off about him. Despite her reservations, she lets Cam stay and is soon drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As strange events start to occur at the motel, Donna begins to suspect that Cam is not who he seems. Her suspicions are confirmed when she discovers that Cam has a dark past and is on the run from the law.

As Donna becomes more entangled in Cam's world, she is forced to face her own demons and make a series of difficult choices. With her livelihood and safety at stake, Donna must find a way to outsmart Cam and escape his grasp.

One of the strengths of Hospitality is its atmosphere. The movie takes place in a remote, desolate corner of New York, and the sense of isolation and emptiness is palpable. The motel itself is a character in its own right, with its drab decor and creaky floorboards adding to the sense of unease.

The performances in Hospitality are also strong. Chriqui is excellent as Donna, conveying both her vulnerability and her toughness. Trammell is charismatic as Cam, and Bourne is suitably menacing as the local sheriff who becomes embroiled in the events at the motel.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the plot twists feel contrived. Additionally, the movie's treatment of mental illness has come under criticism from some viewers, who feel that it reinforces negative stereotypes.

Overall, though, Hospitality is a tense and atmospheric thriller that is worth checking out for fans of the genre. Its New York Film Festival premiere was met with positive reviews, and many praised the movie for its performances and sense of dread. It may not be a classic, but it is a solid indie thriller that deserves a wider audience.