Set in 1930s Europe, Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel presents an offbeat, dark comedy recounting the adventures of Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), a lobby boy at the Grand Budapest Hotel, who comes under the tutelage of suave concierge Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes).
As seen through the eyes of Zero, we are introduced to The Grand Budapest Hotel and its eccentric guests, including the elderly guests Gustave H’s artfully seduces. After the mysterious death of one such woman, Madame D (Tilda Swinton), her will reveals she has left her most valuable possession, a priceless painting, to Gustave H, much to the chagrin of her family.
Accused of her death, Gustave flees from the police, taking Zero and the painting with him. Along the journey, the pair become friends, facing obstacles including imprisonment, escape, crazed members of Madame D’s family and the impending war in a (somehow) lighthearted manner.
Keeping to Anderson’s typical style, the quippy dialogue was filled with dry, dark humour and double entendre. The whimsical, deeply stylized narrative style and sets were immediately identifiable as Anderson’s, as was its overall distinctive style.

The performances were all well done, featuring many actors from Anderson’s previous films. Fiennes and Revolori made for an interesting duo with a believable friendship. Even if the overall concept was in some ways far-fetched, it was easy to accept within the context of their world.
More from Film Reviews
Most Anticipated Films for 2024
Explore 2024's most exciting films: action-packed adventures, animated tales, and unique takes on classic cinema.
How to Watch A Film
It is not just about watching a film but also about watching the way we watch film.
Top 10 Films to Get You in the Cozy Autumn Mood
As the air turns crisp and leaves transform into a vibrant array of colors, the arrival of autumn brings with …