Simmering danger leads to tangible suspense and raw performances in Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel. Yep, this is one movie that will unnerve and, at times, anger its audience. It’s all a gender critique, of course, effectively showing the twisted power dynamics and workplace misogyny that still very much exist in the world today – especially in small towns. The film’s secluded and desolate Aussie locale only adds to the helplessness of it all, keeping our characters (and us, the viewer) on our toes at all times. It’s an exercise in “eggshell walking” and a constant guessing of just who the “good guys” are (if any). If only things ended on a less cliched note, as the final shot of the film is something straight out of a Thelma and Louisewannabe b-movie. Regardless, Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick shine in their respective roles, with Garner being a particularly potent force with true grit. It’s an acting showcase for everyone involved, not to mention one for our director. After her work with The Assistant, and now this, I personally can’t wait to see who Kitty Green takes down next!