In 2008, Mumbia was the scene of numerous coordinated terrorists attacks. The highest profile was the titular luxury hotel. This film vividly recounts this assault with plenty of merciless murders, countered by a group of hotel guests and the brave staff that helped protect them (most notably a waiter played by Dev Patel). The gunmen’s strikes are played out with heartless violence, although they have made a slight effort to humanize them. Meanwhile, the plight of the guests revolves around one American (Armie Hammer) and his family. Even though this harrowing incident is captured with a constant level of tension and dread, the film falls short of a powerful emotional punch.
(4 / 5)