Lost Girls and Love Hotels

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 18, 2020

Genre
Drama, Romance

Cast & Crew

• Alexandra Daddario as Margaret
• Takehiro Hira as Kazu
• Carice van Houten as Ines
• Kate Easton as Louise
• Andrew Rothney as Liam
• Mariko Tsutsui as Hotel Manager
• Elisabeth Larena as Karin

Director
William Olsson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• An American Affair (2008)
• Reliance (2019)

Producer

• Lauren Mann
• Lawrence Inglee
• William Olsson

Writer

• Catherine Hanrahan (screenplay and novel)

Budget
Estimated at $5 million

Production Company

• Blackbird
• Wandering Trail Pictures
• Astrakan Films

Running Time
97 minutes

Languages
English, Japanese

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong sexual content
• Nudity
• Language
• Mature themes

Movie Story
“Lost Girls and Love Hotels” is a dark, moody drama that explores themes of alienation, longing, and self-destruction. The film centers on Margaret (Alexandra Daddario), an American expatriate living in Tokyo who spends her days teaching English to flight attendants and her nights drifting through the city’s love hotels and underground bars. Margaret is deeply lost, both physically and emotionally, seeking solace in fleeting sexual encounters and the anonymity of Tokyo’s neon-lit streets.

Margaret’s life takes a turn when she meets Kazu (Takehiro Hira), a mysterious and stoic Yakuza enforcer. The two begin a passionate but complicated relationship, with Margaret drawn to Kazu’s dangerous allure and the sense of escape he offers. However, their connection is fraught with tension, as both struggle with their own internal demons and the barriers between their vastly different worlds.

As Margaret becomes more entangled in Kazu’s life, she is forced to confront her own self-destructive tendencies and the unresolved trauma that drives her to seek oblivion in the city’s darker corners. The film explores the complexities of love, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels indifferent.

Based on Catherine Hanrahan’s novel of the same name, “Lost Girls and Love Hotels” is a haunting and introspective film that captures the disorientation and loneliness of living in a foreign land, as well as the intense, often destructive emotions that come with searching for connection in all the wrong places.

Special Effects
The film’s visual style is crucial to its storytelling, with the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the shadowy interiors of love hotels creating an atmospheric backdrop that reflects Margaret’s inner turmoil. The cinematography emphasizes the contrast between the city’s vibrant exterior and the isolation felt by the characters, using lighting and color to evoke a sense of alienation and melancholy. The film’s focus is on mood and character rather than on special effects, creating an immersive experience that draws the audience into Margaret’s fragmented world.

Box Office Performance
“Lost Girls and Love Hotels” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through video-on-demand platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for Alexandra Daddario’s performance and the film’s atmospheric visuals, but criticism for its pacing and lack of narrative depth. It found a niche audience interested in character-driven dramas and explorations of identity and existential themes.

Filming Locations

• Tokyo, Japan
• Kyoto, Japan

Notable Quotes

• “We are all searching for something, but sometimes the search takes us to places we never expected to go.” – Margaret
• “You can be lost even in a place that feels like home.” – Kazu

Behind-the-Scenes
“Lost Girls and Love Hotels” was filmed on location in Tokyo and Kyoto, with the production team working to capture the authentic atmosphere of Japan’s urban nightlife and the hidden worlds within it. Alexandra Daddario’s portrayal of Margaret required her to navigate complex emotional terrain, and she worked closely with director William Olsson to bring depth and nuance to the character. The film’s themes of alienation and self-discovery are deeply rooted in Hanrahan’s novel, which served as both inspiration and guide for the adaptation.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Lost Girls and Love Hotels” is a visually striking and emotionally intense film that delves into the darker aspects of love and identity. Alexandra Daddario delivers a compelling performance as Margaret, capturing the character’s vulnerability and internal conflict. While the film’s pacing and narrative may not resonate with all viewers, its atmospheric portrayal of Tokyo and exploration of complex emotional themes make it a thought-provoking watch for those interested in character-driven dramas.

IMDb Rating
4.7/10