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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Hotel Artemis (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


On June 21, 2028, chaos erupts in Los Angeles due to a riot protesting the privatization of water, highlighting the struggles of everyday people to afford basic necessities. Seizing the opportunity presented by the turmoil, a crew of four criminals — brothers Sherman and Lev, along with misfits Buke and P-22 — plan to rob a bank. As they attempt to breach the vault, they shift tactics, realizing they can instead loot the belongings of their hostages. These hostages are likely to be wealthy individuals sending their staff to safeguard their valuables amidst the rioting.

In a twist of irony, Lev swipes a fancy pen from one of the male hostages, despite a warning not to do so. Their escape is abruptly interrupted as they encounter police officers, resulting in a deadly exchange that leaves P-22 dead and both Buke and Lev critically injured. In a desperate bid for help, Sherman contacts Jean “the Nurse” Thomas (Jodie Foster), the manager of the Hotel Artemis, a unique establishment catering solely to criminals in need of medical attention.

Upon their arrival at the hotel, conditions are tight: only paying members are admitted, leaving Buke outside at the mercy of Everest (Dave Bautista), the Nurse’s assistant. Inside, guests are referred to by their suite names — Sherman takes on the moniker Waikiki, while Lev is dubbed Honolulu. Other guests include Acapulco (Charlie Day) and Nice (Sofia Boutella).

Tensions escalate when Crosby Franklin (Zachary Quinto), a notorious criminal, alerts the Nurse that his father, Orian “The Wolf King” Franklin (Jeff Goldblum), is on his way and desperately needs immediate care. Waikiki reconnects with Nice and discovers that the pen Lev stole is, in fact, a mobile safe containing diamonds that belong to the Wolf King. This revelation sets off a chain of events filled with danger, as the Wolf King is known for ruthlessly eliminating anyone who crosses him.

The stakes rise further when a wounded police officer named Morgan (Jenny Slate) appears at the hotel, seeking treatment. Ignoring Everest’s warnings, Thomas ventures out to assist Morgan, only for them to be confronted by the riotous mob. Thankfully, Everest intervenes just in time to save them both. The connection between Thomas and Morgan runs deep, as she once knew Morgan from a time before tragedy struck her life — her son’s death fueled her descent into alcoholism and her subsequent turn to running the Artemis.

Within the confines of the Artemis, the tension builds as Acapulco tries to escape via helicopter, only to be ambushed by Nice, who seeks to eliminate the Wolf King. Meanwhile, Everest secretly leads Morgan out, while Waikiki uses a 3D printer to create a weapon for their defense. The complex web of loyalties and betrayals deepens when both the Wolf King and Crosby Franklin arrive, leading to an intense situation wherein Thomas must navigate her need for vengeance and the duties of her role at the Artemis.

During an unexpected turn of anesthesia, the Wolf King, unaware of the repercussions, reveals damning information about Thomas’ son, pushing her towards a dangerous choice fueled by anguish. The eventual explosion caused by Nice’s machinations culminates in a deadly aftermath where alliances shift, and lives are lost. Waikiki finds himself grappling with the consequences of Nice’s actions and its tragic toll on his brother, leading to a violent confrontation with Acapulco.

As chaos envelops the Artemis, and Crosby’s crew begins to breach the hotel’s defenses, Waikiki and Nice must cooperate to escape. In a final act of desperation, Waikiki trades the stolen pen — a cache of wealth that could secure their safety — only to confront Crosby, who forces Thomas into a deadly dilemma. In a haunting conclusion, Thomas finally confronts her fears and plows through her past, finding a modicum of peace despite the violence surrounding her.

Just as it seems all hope is lost, a glimmer of possibility remains. Thomas, intent on a new path, contemplates reopening the Artemis to lend help once more. As she walks through the chaotic streets of Los Angeles, a flicker of resilience ignites within her. Meanwhile, Everest, triumphant in battle, dons his nurse’s badge, illuminating the Hotel Artemis’ sign as a sign of renewed purpose.

In a heart-pounding mid-credits scene, the fate of Nice is left ambiguous, hinting that she may have survived, leaving audiences on the edge of anticipation.

Timeline

Track the key events of Hotel Artemis (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Riot Begins

On June 21, 2028, Los Angeles erupts in chaos due to a riot protesting the privatization of water. This unrest underscores the struggles of ordinary people who find it increasingly difficult to afford essential resources.

June 21, 2028 Los Angeles

The Criminal Plan

Amidst the turmoil, a criminal crew consisting of brothers Sherman and Lev, along with their partners Buke and P-22, make plans to rob a bank. They seize the opportunity presented by the rioting to capitalize on the chaos.

Hostage Situation

As the crew attempts to breach the vault, they quickly adapt their strategy. Instead of robbing the bank, they loot the belongings of wealthy hostages who are there to retrieve their valuables amidst the unrest.

A Mistaken Theft

Lev, against his better judgment, steals a fancy pen from one of the hostages. This seemingly trivial act will have unintended consequences that play a crucial role in the unfolding drama.

Deadly Encounter

While attempting to escape, the crew encounters police officers, leading to a violent confrontation. The fatal encounter results in the death of P-22, while both Buke and Lev suffer critical injuries.

Seeking Medical Help

In dire need of medical assistance, Sherman contacts Jean 'the Nurse' Thomas, the manager of the Hotel Artemis. This unique establishment caters to criminals in need of urgent care, providing a last hope for the injured crew.

Hotel Artemis

Entrance to the Hotel

Upon arriving at the Hotel Artemis, Sherman must navigate the strict entry rules. Only paying members are allowed inside, leaving Buke outside, vulnerable to the chaos outside.

Hotel Artemis

Identities in the Artemis

Inside the hotel, guests are referred to by their suite names. Sherman becomes Waikiki, while Lev is dubbed Honolulu, introducing a layer of anonymity amid the tensions of their current situation.

Hotel Artemis

The Wolf King's Arrival

Tensions escalate with the announcement of Orian 'The Wolf King' Franklin's imminent arrival at the hotel. His son Crosby alerts Jean, indicating the need for urgent medical care for his father, adding to the atmosphere of danger.

Hotel Artemis

The Stolen Pen's Secret

Waikiki discovers the pen stolen by Lev is actually a mobile safe containing diamonds belonging to the Wolf King. This revelation brings an added layer of peril, as anyone associated with the theft risks the King's wrath.

Hotel Artemis

Unexpected Visitors

The situation intensifies when a wounded police officer named Morgan arrives at the hotel seeking treatment. Jean, despite Everest’s warnings, attempts to help Morgan, only to face danger from the mob outside.

Hotel Artemis

Tensions Mount

Inside the hotel, tensions rise as Acapulco tries to escape by helicopter. However, Nice ambushes him with the intention of dealing with the Wolf King, adding to the growing chaos within the Artemis.

Hotel Artemis

The Wolf King's Revelation

Under the effects of anesthesia, the Wolf King inadvertently reveals painful truths about Jean's past. This moment ignites a conflict within her, torn between her role at the hotel and her thirst for vengeance.

Hotel Artemis

Destruction and Betrayal

The situation climaxes as chaos ensues from Nice's actions, leading to an explosive confrontation. Alliances are tested, and lives are lost, revealing the dire consequences of the characters' choices.

Hotel Artemis

A New Beginning

In the aftermath of the tumult, Thomas contemplates reopening the Artemis out of a desire to help. As she walks through the chaos of Los Angeles, a spark of resilience ignites within her.

Los Angeles

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Hotel Artemis (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jean 'the Nurse' Thomas

The Nurse is a complex character, portrayed as a caretaker with a tragic past. Her role at the Hotel Artemis involves not only treating wounded criminals but also confronting her own demons, especially the loss of her son. This emotional layer adds depth to her character as she seeks to find peace amidst the chaos.

👩‍⚕️ Caregiver 😢 Grief 🏥 Resilience

Waikiki

Waikiki, a character of resourcefulness and charm, is involved in a desperate heist that spirals into chaos. His bond with his brother and the moral dilemmas he faces drive much of the narrative. Waikiki's transformation throughout the film reflects his struggle between right and wrong under dire circumstances.

🕴️ Criminal ⚖️ Morality 🏃‍♂️ Escape

Everest

Everest is the Nurse's steadfast assistant, embodying strength and loyalty. His protective nature is highlighted when he intervenes to save Thomas and others. Despite the harsh realities of their world, Everest's character brings a sense of grounding and stability within the turmoil.

💪 Protector 🏥 Assistant 🚓 Heroism

Morgan

Morgan is a wounded police officer whose arrival adds urgency to the narrative. Her history with Jean adds an emotional connection, exposing the depths of their shared past. Despite her injuries, her determination to survive and seek help showcases her resilience.

👮‍♀️ Officer 🤝 Connection 🌟 Resilience

Acapulco

Acapulco is an enigmatic character whose escape attempts add tension to the plot. His reckless behavior contrasts with the survival instincts of other characters, illustrating the different ways individuals cope with chaos. His pursuit of freedom ultimately leads to dire consequences.

🛩️ Escapist 🔥 Recklessness 🌀 Chaos

Setting

Uncover the settings of Hotel Artemis (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

June 21, 2028

The film takes place in the near future, a time when social unrest due to essential resource privatization has reached critical levels. This setting reflects contemporary issues, emphasizing the struggle for basic necessities and the impact of economic disparity on society.

Location

Los Angeles, Hotel Artemis

Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for the tumultuous events of 'Hotel Artemis.' Known for its vibrant culture and entertainment scene, the city becomes a battleground during a riot protesting the privatization of water. The Hotel Artemis itself is a clandestine establishment designed specifically for criminals seeking medical attention and safety amidst the chaos.

🏙️ City 🏨 Hotel

Themes

Explore the core themes of Hotel Artemis (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Violence

Violence permeates the narrative as characters navigate a chaotic and dangerous world. The film explores the consequences of violent actions—both in personal confrontations and the larger context of societal unrest. As characters are forced into life-threatening situations, their decisions often lead to tragic outcomes.

💔

Loss

The theme of loss is deeply woven into the story, particularly through the character of Jean 'the Nurse' Thomas, who grapples with her past and the death of her son. Her journey reflects a struggle for redemption and the healing process amid tragedy, highlighting how loss can shape personal choices and relationships.

🔒

Survival

Survival is a central theme as characters maneuver through life-and-death scenarios within the Hotel Artemis. The film presents a microcosm of society where desperate measures are taken to stay alive, showcasing the primal instincts that arise when one’s life hangs in the balance.

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