In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, Netflix continues to be a treasure trove for film enthusiasts seeking both classic and contemporary gems. Among its recent additions is the 2018 dystopian crime thriller Hotel Artemis, a film that combines high-octane action with a deeply human story, anchored by a stellar performance from two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster. For fans of gritty, character-driven narratives and those who appreciate a strong ensemble cast, Hotel Artemis offers a unique cinematic experience that’s now just a click away on Netflix as of June 2025.

Set in a near-futuristic Los Angeles in the year 2028, Hotel Artemis paints a grim picture of a city torn apart by riots over the privatization of its water supply. Against this chaotic backdrop, the film introduces us to the titular Hotel Artemis, a secret, members-only hospital for criminals, located in a 13-story Art Deco building in the heart of the city. The hospital operates under strict rules—no weapons, no non-members, and no killing other guests—enforced by its enigmatic caretaker, Jean Thomas, known simply as “The Nurse,” played by Jodie Foster. The Nurse, along with her loyal orderly Everest (Dave Bautista), provides cutting-edge medical care to the city’s underworld elite, using advanced technology like robot-assisted surgery and 3D-printed organs to patch up bullet wounds and knife injuries.

The plot kicks into gear when a bank heist goes terribly wrong, leaving professional criminal Sherman, codenamed Waikiki (Sterling K. Brown), and his brother Lev, codenamed Honolulu (Brian Tyree Henry), in desperate need of medical attention. They arrive at the Hotel Artemis, where they encounter a motley crew of colorful characters, each with their own agendas. Among them are Nice (Sofia Boutella), a lethal assassin with a past connection to Waikiki; Acapulco (Charlie Day), an obnoxious arms dealer; and the hospital’s owner, Orian “The Wolfking” Franklin (Jeff Goldblum), Los Angeles’s most feared crime lord, who arrives with his volatile son Crosby (Zachary Quinto). As the riots edge closer to the hotel and tensions among the guests escalate, The Nurse must navigate a night of violence, betrayal, and personal demons, deciding whether to break her own rules to survive.

Hotel Artemis marks the feature directorial debut of Drew Pearce, a screenwriter known for his work on blockbusters like Iron Man 3 and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Pearce, who also wrote the script, brings a fresh perspective to the crime thriller genre, blending elements of dystopian sci-fi with noir aesthetics. The film’s setting—a high-tech hospital for criminals—draws comparisons to the neutral ground of The Continental in the John Wick series, a concept that resonated with audiences and critics alike, as noted in posts on X describing it as a “cyberpunk-in-the-John-Wick-universe” film. However, Hotel Artemis carves its own path with its focus on character dynamics and a more grounded, satirical tone, despite its futuristic setting.

Jodie Foster’s performance as The Nurse is the heart of the film, earning her widespread praise from critics. Foster, who had taken a five-year hiatus from acting since her role in 2013’s Elysium, returns to the big screen with a character that showcases her versatility and emotional depth. The Nurse is a complex figure—tough and no-nonsense on the surface, but haunted by her past, grappling with severe agoraphobia and grief over the death of her son, Beau. Foster imbues the role with a quiet competence tinged with inner torment, her trademark intensity shining through in every scene. Critics lauded her portrayal, with The Guardian noting that she “eases into the role, showcasing a hardened strength,” while Vulture called her “a massively pleasing anchor amid all the more flashy bullet exchanges.”

The film’s ensemble cast is equally impressive, each actor bringing their own flair to their respective roles. Sterling K. Brown delivers a standout performance as Waikiki, a bank robber torn between loyalty to his brother and the dangerous consequences of their heist. Brown’s nuanced portrayal adds emotional weight to the action, making Waikiki a character audiences can root for despite his criminal background. Sofia Boutella’s Nice is a highlight, her lethal grace and sharp wit providing some of the film’s most thrilling moments. Jeff Goldblum, as The Wolfking, brings his signature eccentricity to the role, lightening the mood with his sardonic humor, while Dave Bautista’s Everest offers a surprising mix of brute strength and deadpan comedy, forming a delightful dynamic with Foster’s Nurse.

Despite its strengths, Hotel Artemis is not without its flaws. The film received mixed reviews upon its release on June 8, 2018, with critics praising its visual style, intriguing screenplay, and performances—particularly Foster’s—but finding the execution uneven. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 57% approval rating, with the consensus stating that it “has a few flashes of wit and an intriguing cast, but mostly it’s just a serviceable chunk of slightly futuristic violence.” Some critics, like Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times, noted that the film felt “predictable and familiar,” while others, such as Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle, appreciated its “genuine thrills” and “terrific cast.” The film’s box office performance was disappointing, grossing only $13 million against a $15 million budget, making it a commercial flop. However, its unique premise and strong performances have since earned it a cult following, with fans on platforms like X calling for more eyes on this “badass contained sci-fi crime film.”

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its commentary on societal issues, albeit subtle. Set against the backdrop of a water crisis driven by corporate greed, Hotel Artemis reflects real-world anxieties about resource privatization and inequality. The riots outside the hotel’s walls serve as a stark contrast to the high-tech sanctuary within, highlighting the divide between the elite and the desperate. Pearce’s script doesn’t delve deeply into these themes, but their presence adds a layer of relevance to the narrative, making it more than just a stylish action flick.

For Jodie Foster, Hotel Artemis was a return to acting that allowed her to explore a new kind of role—one that balanced physicality with emotional vulnerability. Foster, who has often chosen projects that resonate with her own experiences of isolation and resilience, found a kindred spirit in The Nurse. In interviews, she spoke of being drawn to the character’s complexity, describing her as someone who “has seen the absolute worst in people, but accepts them on their own terms.” Foster’s performance is a reminder of why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected talents, her ability to convey unshakeable sadness beneath a tough exterior earning her accolades from critics like Empire’s Jonathan Pile, who called it “a performance to treasure.”

Now available on Netflix, Hotel Artemis offers viewers a chance to rediscover this underappreciated gem. The film’s compact 94-minute runtime makes it an easy watch for a quiet evening, while its blend of action, humor, and heart ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jodie Foster, a lover of dystopian thrillers, or simply looking for a fresh take on the crime genre, Hotel Artemis delivers a gripping story that lingers long after the credits roll. As Los Angeles burns in the background, the real drama unfolds within the walls of the Artemis, where rules are broken, secrets are revealed, and humanity shines through even the darkest of nights.

For those seeking a film that combines the intensity of a crime thriller with the emotional depth of a character study, Hotel Artemis on Netflix is a must-watch. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling—and to Jodie Foster’s enduring ability to captivate audiences, one nuanced performance at a time.