As of 4:50 PM +07 on July 25, 2025, Netflix has brought a thrilling surprise to its subscribers with the addition of Hotel Artemis, a 2018 action-packed thriller starring Jodie Foster alongside Sterling K. Brown and Charlie Day. Set in a chaotic, near-future Los Angeles plagued by riots over privatized water, this Drew Pearce-directed debut film has re-emerged as a hidden gem, captivating audiences with its unique premise and stellar ensemble cast. Foster plays The Nurse, the stoic overseer of a secret hospital for criminals, while Brown and Day bring dynamic energy as a philosophical bank robber and a brash arms dealer, respectively. Available since early July 2025, the film’s blend of dystopian tension and dark humor has sparked renewed interest, with fans debating its overlooked status and calling for more projects featuring this powerhouse trio.

A Dystopian Haven for Outlaws

Hotel Artemis unfolds in 2028, where Los Angeles teeters on the edge of collapse amid violent protests. The story centers on a clandestine hospital, hidden within the shell of a once-grand art deco hotel, serving as a sanctuary for injured criminals. Jodie Foster’s The Nurse runs this members-only emergency room with an iron fist, enforcing strict rules—no killing on the premises—while assisted by her imposing enforcer, Everest, played by Dave Bautista. The plot ignites when Waikiki (Sterling K. Brown), a bank robber, rushes his wounded brother Honolulu (Brian Tyree Henry) to the facility after a heist gone wrong. Enter Acapulco (Charlie Day), a loudmouthed arms dealer, whose volatile presence sets the stage for escalating conflict.

The hospital’s neon-lit rooms, themed after vacation spots, create a surreal backdrop, blending high-tech medical care with a gritty underworld vibe. The narrative thickens as The Wolf King (Jeff Goldblum), a crime lord, arrives, threatening to unravel the fragile order. Foster’s character, shaped by a tragic past hinted at throughout, emerges as the emotional anchor, her quirky yet resolute demeanor drawing viewers in. The film’s premise, while reminiscent of John Wick’s Continental Hotel, carves its own niche with a focus on medical intrigue and personal redemption, making it a standout addition to Netflix’s thriller lineup.

Stellar Performances Drive the Chaos

Jodie Foster, a two-time Oscar winner known for The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused, delivers a captivating performance as The Nurse. Her portrayal blends vulnerability with authority, showcasing a woman hardened by decades of tending to society’s outcasts. Foster’s chemistry with Bautista’s Everest—a gentle giant with a mother-son bond to The Nurse—adds a touching layer, while her interactions with the chaotic ensemble highlight her versatility. Fans on social media have praised her return to action roles, with one noting, “Jodie Foster proves she can still dominate a thriller—Nurse is iconic!”

Sterling K. Brown, fresh off his Emmy-winning turn in This Is Us, brings depth to Waikiki, a criminal with a moral compass. His philosophical musings and desperate attempts to save his brother contrast with the film’s violence, earning him accolades for grounding the story. Charlie Day, best known for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, injects humor as Acapulco, his rapid-fire insults and nervous energy providing comic relief amid the tension. Though some critique his character as one-note, others argue his over-the-top style fits the film’s chaotic tone. The supporting cast, including Sofia Boutella as the enigmatic assassin Nice and Jenny Slate as an injured cop, further enriches the ensemble, though Jeff Goldblum’s Wolf King feels underutilized.

A Thriller Reborn on Netflix

Originally released in June 2018, Hotel Artemis grossed a modest $13.3 million against a $15 million budget, earning a mixed 6.1/10 on IMDb and a 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its cast and world-building but faulted its uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots, such as Goldblum’s character arc. Its arrival on Netflix in July 2025, however, has sparked a revival, with viewers bingeing the 94-minute runtime late into the night. The platform’s algorithm has thrust it into the Top 10, with streaming data suggesting over 5 million hours watched in its first week, a testament to its cult appeal.

The film’s dystopian setting, rooted in a believable water privatization conflict, resonates with current global tensions, adding a layer of relevance. Pearce’s script, co-written for Iron Man 3, leans on his action-comedy roots, though some argue it lacks the suspense of his MCU work. The set design by Ramsey Avery, with its dilapidated yet vibrant hotel, has been a highlight, while the score’s droning bass has divided opinions—some find it atmospheric, others distracting. Netflix’s decision to spotlight Hotel Artemis aligns with its strategy of reviving underseen films, much like The Gray Man’s success, fueling speculation about a sequel or spin-off.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

Social media has erupted with enthusiasm since Hotel Artemis hit Netflix. X posts range from “Stumbled on this gem—Jodie, Sterling, and Charlie are electric!” to “Why was this slept on? Needs a Season 2!” The film’s blend of action, humor, and heart has drawn comparisons to The Raid and Dredd, though its lighter tone sets it apart. Fans have celebrated the ‘80s-inspired aesthetic and Foster’s return to genre fare, with some calling it “a perfect late-night watch.” The inclusion of Brown and Day has also sparked interest in a potential team-up movie, with suggestions ranging from a heist comedy to a dystopian sequel.

Culturally, Hotel Artemis taps into a fascination with anti-hero narratives, reflecting a world where traditional law fails, and private sanctuaries rise. Its portrayal of a female-led stronghold challenges gender norms in action thrillers, aligning with Foster’s history of strong roles. The water riot subplot, while simplified, mirrors real-world debates on resource control, adding a subtle critique that some viewers have seized upon. Yet, the film’s failure to fully explore The Nurse’s backstory or Goldblum’s Wolf King has left some feeling cheated, sparking debates about its narrative depth.

Production Challenges and Legacy

Filming took place in 2017 across Los Angeles, with a reported $15 million budget stretched by the elaborate sets and cast salaries. Pearce faced hurdles balancing the ensemble, with reshoots addressing pacing issues, though some subplots—like the injured cop’s link to The Nurse—remained unresolved. The cast’s preparation, including Foster’s immersion into the Nurse’s quirks and Brown’s physical training, paid off, but the tight schedule limited post-production polish. Lionsgate handled initial distribution, but its quiet theatrical run hinted at studio doubts, a narrative now overturned by Netflix’s boost.

The film’s legacy hinges on this second chance. While not a critical darling, its rewatchability—fueled by Foster’s commanding presence and the cast’s chemistry—has earned it a growing fanbase. Some see it as a missed opportunity for a franchise, given its rich world, while others view it as a quirky one-off. Pearce’s shift to TV projects post-Hotel Artemis suggests he may revisit the concept, though no official plans exist. For now, it stands as a testament to Foster’s enduring draw and the potential of overlooked films to find new life on streaming.

A Call for More

Hotel Artemis has rekindled interest in Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, and Charlie Day as a thriller trio, with fans petitioning Netflix for expanded content. The film’s cliffhanger—hinting at The Nurse’s past and the Wolf King’s retaliation—leaves room for exploration, though its modest origins make a sequel uncertain. Brown’s rising star power and Day’s comedic edge could anchor future projects, while Foster’s recent Emmy win for True Detective: Night Country adds clout. As viewers stay up past midnight dissecting its twists, Hotel Artemis proves that sometimes, the best thrills come from the unexpected corners of Netflix’s library.