Hostel 2

Director: Eli Roth

Starring: Lauren German, Roger Bart, Heather Matarazzo, Bijou Phillips

Hostel II is the sequel to the 2005 grisly original, and takes us back to the picturesque Slovakian village where many unfortunate victims have previously met their doom. This time we follow three female college students who are studying art in Rome. On a train to the Czech Republic they are enticed by a model from their life-drawing class to join her for a lavish trip to Slovakia. However, things are not as luxurious as they first seem and the girls are in for a rollercoaster ride of torture, bloodshed and mayhem…

In short, Hostel II proves to be an interesting sequel to the original gore fest, and it soon becomes clear that Hostel was not just a one hit wonder. The film examines issues of violence against women and how it isn’t just a feature of countless horror films, but also present in more ‘harmless’ forms of entertainment. Roth manages to successfully use the horror genre to look at deeper social issues. But Hostel II has even more to offer than this...

In recent interviews Roth claimed that Hostel II would have a less bloody but more exciting and twisted story. He delivers what he promised, letting the audience wait over an hour before the first kill occurs, and creating a creepy atmosphere in the process. A great story is provided for those on both sides of the butcher’s knife. The three leading ladies (German, Bart and Matarazzo) all create interesting and engaging characters, which really causes the audience to become emotionally involved with the threesome. All the women under attack are genuinely more believable and likeable compared with the guys from the original film.

The film also gives the audience an insight into the mind of those wishing to act on murderous impulses. We follow the story of two American businessmen who are willing to pay big money to join the exclusive club where a life will end at their hands. The relationship between these two men proves a complicated one as doubts about actually committing to the kill begin to arise.

This well made horror will surely stay in your mind for some time after viewing it. Even more shocking and unsettling than the original, but without allowing the gore to go overboard, Hostel II goes recommended to fans of the original and anyone in search of a twisted thrill ride.

Julia Huntenburg