Hostel is an American horror film series that consists of three films, including two theatrical films, and one straight-to-home release film. Created by Eli Roth, the plot centers around a Slovakian criminal organization that lures innocent foreigners into their hostels, where wealthy sadists bid upon them for torture and murder. Over the course of the films, the hierarchy of the cult group is revealed to operate internationally.
The original film starring Jay Hernandez was met with mixed critical reception,[1] although it was a success at the box office.[2] The second film was met with an even more divided critical response;[3] even though it earned less than its predecessor, it earned a profit for the studios.[4] The third film was released to more positive reviews from critics than the previous movies,[5] although its monetary statistics regarding sales on home media are not disclosed.[6]
Paxton and Josh spend their summer after graduating college traveling the various countries in Europe. Exploring all manner of debaucherous activities, they befriend an Icelandic tourist named Óli. One night the trio are locked out of their hotel, and visit an apartment of a local named Alexei. After being told of a hostel run by seductive women in Slovakia, the friends make the journey to the rumored location. Upon arrival they are pleased to find that Alexei's story was true, a location overrun by nude foreign women. As they engage in various sexual encounters, over time they soon begin to question the intentions of the establishment. As Óli goes missing, the friends attempt to investigate his disappearance. When they are drugged by a pair of women with whom they had been associating in a sex-based relationship, they individually awaken to a horrific underground torture event, led by a secret organization. The company allows wealthy individuals to pay large sums of money to torture, maim, and kill abducted innocent tourists. Unwittingly finding themselves a part of the cult's activities, Paxton and Josh must fight for survival in the nightmare they've awoken in, or die by a series of gory events.[7][8][9][10][11]
After narrowly escaping the tortures of an evil secret organization, Paxton suffers from extreme episodes of PTSD. Convinced that the Elite Hunting Club will not stop looking for him until he is dead, he often comes into confrontation with his girlfriend who argues that his experience is exaggerated as a result of his mental illness. After one particularly heated argument, she awakes the next morning to find his headless corpse sitting in their kitchen, confirming his story.
In Rome, Italy three young American art students named Beth, Whitney, and Lorna are enjoying their time abroad in a foreign country. Encouraged by one of the nude models that they are sketching named Axelle, to visit a relaxing hostel located in Slovakia, the trio decide to make the journey to the isolated location. Expecting a relaxing stay at a luxurious spa, the friends quickly begin to question the underlying reality of what is going on around them. Unbeknownst to them, upon arrival their passports are uploaded for bid to the highest spender. Abducted by members of the organization, the friends awaken to a reality where they are positioned to be helpless pawns of torture and murder. The women resolve to fight for their survival, or die trying.[12][13][14][15][16]
Scott alongside his friends Mike and Justin, are celebrating a night of decadence in Las Vegas for his bachelor party. As they move through each club, they are persuaded by a pair of escorts to attend a secluded private party. The friends decide to take their partying up a level, and make the trip. Upon arrival they quickly learn that things are not as they seem. Imprisoned by the Slovakian hosts, they find that they are intended to be used as party favors of nefarious wealthy bidders, who intend to torture, abuse, and kill them as they desire. As they fight for their survival, amongst a terrible bloodbath Scott soon discovers that one of his friends is also a part of the Elite Hunters Club and willingly led them into the sadistic nightmare they are trapped in.[17][18][19]
In December 2020, tabloids reported that a reboot of Hostel film series was in development.[20] By December of 2023 however, Eli Roth stated that he intends to develop additional Hostel installments; stating "there's a lot more to do" and that he felt like he had "ignored them for too long". Acknowledging that he has ideas for where to take the story next, the filmmaker confirmed he also wants to return to intellectual property once again in the role of director after previously not being involved with Part III.[21][22]
In June 2024, it was announced that a television series set within the franchise was in development. The series was described as a "modern adaptation" and "reinvention" of the concept, with the genre being categorized as an "elevated thriller". Roth will serve as director, as well as co-writer alongside Chris Briggs. The filmmaker will also be an executive producer, with Briggs and Mike Fleiss. Paul Giamatti has been cast in a starring role.[23]
This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.