Greek writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos directs this strange alternate universe, near-future setting, which feels cold, oppressive, and bizarre.  It's his first English-language feature-length effort, with a little French thrown in, still quite astute, even if it's not his mother tongue thanks to the uniqueness of the story and a very solid cast, most of whom are in complete deadpan mode. Many of the characters have been stripped away from their emotions, as if there is little joy to be found in their continued existence, as the hotel beats it into their minds that it is much more advantageous and safe to be in a relationship with someone than it is to be alone; and if you cant find a mate, you don't even deserve to be human.