Motel Destino

"Though its colors often pop off the screen, its direction, writing and performances remain disappointingly flat" 

"These characters may not run terribly deep, but there’s something oddly poignant, amid all the delicious sleaze on display, in the film’s portraiture of dead-end lives with few plans for the future but to f—— the pain away" 

"Despite its flaws, 'Motel Destino' has mood, rawness and atmosphere to burn (...) Strong performances by the three leads motor along on the characters’ nervous energy, apprehension or anger" 

"Despite its gripping start and lush cinematography, the film ultimately loses its way, bogged down by a sluggish middle act and narrative inconsistencies" 

"Aïnouz goes graphic in an arthouse-only erotic genre piece that will alienate just as many audiences as it enthralls. It’s sexy, disturbing" 

"The impressive Assunção injects homoerotic undercurrents that give the love triangle an unexpected extra frisson. But 'Motel Destin'o never deviates radically enough from that tried-and-tested Postman template to throw up too many surprises. The result is frisky but fleeting (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)" 

"This film is terrifically acted by its central trio: three intensely and unselfconsciously physical performances in which their bodies are frequently on show, sensual but fragile (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)" 

"By setting his drama within the confines of what is politely referred to as a ‘love motel’, Aïnouz plays with the concept of eroticism, which is by far the most interesting element of this drama (...) As the Motel owners know, sex sells – even if it doesn’t always live up to the promise on the colourful tin"