Hostel exploits the “stranger in a strange land” feeling of being in a foreign country. A lot of the Europeans in the movie seem just a bit off center. Not all out David Lynch weird, but quirky. And Roth’s best trick here is the way he makes you feel uneasy until he springs his trap. The low budget shows in places and performances are uneven, but this shows Roth’s potential, and I expect it will continue to drop as his career continues to put out more misses than hits.
What won me over in Hostel is the story. As the plot shows its secrets, Hostel unveils a truly unique idea. Roth makes you wait for it, but it’s a great revelation. The film contains heaps of nudity and gallons of gruesome carnage. But Roth has an opinion about the material, and knows that eventually it all goes up on a 40ft. screen for an audience to watch. He never holds back, but he never rubs your nose in it either because he wants to keep your attention. Unlike every other Eli Roth film, this one gets the tone right.
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