Destined For Culthood

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2006)

"Sick, twisted, disgusting and absolutely brilliant" reads the review blurb on the back of the HOSTEL DVD. While it may sound sensational, particularly for horror flick with a budget under $5 million, every word rings true.
HOSTEL begins by introducing us to three pals, Paxton, Josh and Oli (Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson and Eythor Gudjonsson respectively), on a backpacking journey through Europe of sex, drugs and partying. Horny as can be, they take a newfound friend's advice to check out a Slovakian city that promises to fulfill all their desires for intimate, no-strings attached relations. But once they get settled in, Oli inexplicably disappears, soon followed by Josh. That leaves Paxton to unravel the brutal truth behind this mystery.
HOSTEL is impossible to sufficiently describe to someone who hasn't seen it. It's not because it's so good (though it is pretty good), but because it's such a creative, unusual film experience. Indeed nothing quite like this has ever been done before, at least not this superbly. The film is heavy on the blood and guts, but the blood and guts are entertaining and actually contribute to the film in a this-will-gross-you-out sort of way. HOSTEL is many things, but it's not guilty of gore for the sake of gore.
The direction and acting represent another high point of HOSTEL. The picture is oozing with fresh talent from most every orifice (a fitting way to put it). Young director Eli Roth keeps things running at an efficient pace and gets the most out of what is a fairly basic storyline. It's fair to say he is unrelenting and seems intent in asking the audience how much they can take, but this approach works amazingly well in the film's favor. As for the performers, they are all no-names, but they rank as one of the most talented no-name horror casts in memory. Hernandez is worth singling out, as he has the believability, subtlety and charm needed to carry the film.
Unfortunately, many have dismissed HOSTEL as another mindless gorefest. That's really too bad, because beneath the decapitated heads and leaking eye sockets lurks a truly original, entertaining piece of work. This one is destined for culthood.