Living With B

‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ directed by Wes Anderson follows a concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, a popular European ski resort, Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) is known for his charm, impeccable manners, and slightly scandalous personal life. Zero, a young lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s loyal friend and protégé. But when one of Gustave’s wealthy lovers dies under mysterious circumstances, he inherits a priceless painting—and becomes the prime suspect in her murder.

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★

My Thoughts

Let it be known that this is a short review! But enjoy, nonetheless!

Let me be quite honest with you… we had to watch this in two parts because I fell asleep the first time, not because of Wes Anderson, but because I was exhausted and couldn’t keep my eyes open. But we finished it! And I loved it!

Wes Anderson’s films scratch a very specific part of my brain. It’s a pastel fever dream with impeccable symmetry and dry wit — and it works! All of that, wrapped into one, makes me happy!

The cast is phenomenal. Anderson always knows how to build the perfect ensemble. I love seeing Ralph Fiennes in anything, and this was no exception. Not to mention the bonus cameos: Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson—every few minutes I was like, “Hey, I know that actor!”

The story itself is fascinating. I especially loved how it began, with a writer talking about how stories and characters come to you if you simply observe. From there, we dive into the world of M. Gustave and Zero—two unlikely friends—and we’re off on this wild, chaotic adventure. The humor is sharp but deadpan, and the whole movie plays out like a storybook with just the right touch of darkness.

This is absurdism at its finest, but it still has so much soul. It’s beautiful, strange, and a little bit sad.

Do I Recommend ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’?

Oh, definitely. If you’re already a fan of Wes Anderson—or if you’re into aesthetically pleasing, slow-paced movies with dry humor—give this one a go. Wes Anderson honestly needs to be studied for the masterpieces he puts out.

Read More Movie Reviews Here! Find Me Online: Letterboxd