The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a 2017 Nigerian comedy film directed by Ishaya Bako. It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.
Cast
Zainab Balogun as Ope
Kenneth Okolie as Deji
Deyemi Okanlawon as Martin
Joke Silva as Augustina
Olu Jacobs as Richard
Jide Kosoko as Chief Segun Adeniyi
Racheal Oniga as Rose Adeniyi
Kemi Lala Akindoju as Chika
Ini Dima-Okojie as Joyce
Critical reception
Upon the premiere of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, review aggregating website CREETIQ rated the film 5.3/10 citing mixed reviews from 2 critics. Courtney Small of Cinema Axis opined that "Though The Royal Hibiscus Hotel will no doubt find an audience with die-hard rom-com fans, those looking for a more well-rounded experience will be somewhat disappointed" while Chelsea Phillips-Carr (Pop Matters) was more receptive of the film further stating that "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel proves that playing within genre doesn't have to result in a mediocre film."
Film Scriptic scored the movie 46%, with a grade D. Isedehi Aigbogun highlights its pros and cons, with a concluding statement: "...TIFF screened this movie in 2017...out of charity and a huge dose of networking"