The
Opposite House probably did not pay a promotional allowance, but it will get a
heck of a plug at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. That is because one of the short films
commissioned by the chic Beijing boutique hotel was selected for the
festival. It is not hard to see
why. Zao Wang’s Honeymoon Suite (trailer here) is a small delight screening as part of
the Deadbolt program at this year’s
Tribeca.
This
will be the first time Ally, the Opposite’s new guest services manager, will be
on-duty while the mysterious Mr. Hirschfeld stays in his regular titular
room. He visits like clockwork once a
month, for one night only. Even though his secret is revealed early in the
film, it should not be spoiled ahead of time for those who do not guess. It is
safe to say he is kind of a handful, in genre sort of way.
The
director certainly does his job, making the Opposite look like quite the hip,
elegant space. He also cast a first-rate ensemble. As Ally, Zou Han-hong comes across like a
smart professional, but she also has some rather touching moments down the
stretch. She certainly makes you want to
check into the Opposite.
Poor
Cary Woodworth is largely buried under surprisingly impressive make-up effects,
so give him credit for being a good sport.
Nadia Hatta and Xi-tian also make an endearing mother-daughter tandem in
the room beneath Hirschfeld’s, with the latter providing some very cute
reaction shots.