10 Horror Movies One Step From Perfection
8. Hostel
Eli Roth seems determined at times to frustrate the potential of his own films, as epitomised by 2018's Death Wish reboot which could have used the current cultural moment to comment on gun control, policing in America, and the far-right's rise in power...
But just, you know, doesn't.
This is a recurring theme for the trollish director, as seen in 2005's earlier hit Hostel.
The premise of a for-profit torture ring? Terrifying.
The decision to make the victims ignorant American backpackers during the height of the post 9/11 "freedom fries" era? Ingenious.
The decision to focus on said troop of victims' goofy Eurotrip-style antics for almost an hour of the film's runtime? So close, but so far, Eli.
Yes, the film needs to ground the reality of its characters and ensure the audience cares about their fate whilst also satirising their casual prejudice and ignorant attitudes so viewers take guilty delight in their deaths. But the film focuses on their randy travelogue for longer than it actually explores its own concept, and in the process loses audience interest well before the gruesome torture porn the flick is famous for starts up in earnest.