The Big Picture Australian filmmaker Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel, featuring Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick in primary roles, presents a scary real-life story that concludes with a strong, meaningful ending. Following Garner and Henwick in the shoes of two backpackers exploring the Australian Outback, The Royal Hotel is inspired by the 2016 Pete Gleeson documentary Hotel Coolgardie.
On their first day, Liv and Hanna come across the previous bartenders, the English girls, Jules and Cassie . Early into her stay at the hotel, Hanna gets concerned about the disrespectful and misogynistic ways of the surrounding men, including the owner, Billy. Although Hanna raises alarms regarding their safety, Liv convinces Hanna to stay on for a few weeks and earn some cash before moving ahead with their Australian trip.
Related 'The Royal Hotel' Review: Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick Experience Hell on Earth at a Bar | TIFF 2023 A girls' trip to Australia becomes a nightmare in Kitty Green's latest feminist thriller. What Does Dolly's Message Mean for Hanna? After the heated episode at the bar, Dolly places a snake in Liv and Hanna’s room, ultimately coming to the girls’ rescue to win their trust.
Finding Liv and Hanna alone in the hotel, Dolly and Matty return to the place to prey upon the girls. It appears that Dolly made Matty complicit in his plans, as Matty was strongly attracted to Hanna. This time, Liv consciously gives in to Dolly’s request to go for a drive without sensing the dangers behind his proposal. But when a tussle with Matty leaves Hanna bleeding badly, Liv finally realizes the danger they're in.