The movie follows the adventures of Gustave H, a concierge at the titular Grand Budapest Hotel, and his young protege Zero Moustafa, a lobby boy. Gustave is known for his impeccable service and for having a predilection for older women who stay at the hotel. When one of Gustave's lovers, Madame D, dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustave and Zero go on the run and end up involved in a convoluted plot involving a priceless Renaissance painting called Boy With Apple, an inheritance battle, and a deadly conspiracy.
The film is set against the backdrop of the rise of fascism in Europe, and it features a cast of eccentric characters, including Willem Dafoe as a ruthless hitman, Tilda Swinton as Madame D, and Saoirse Ronan as a baker who helps Gustave and Zero. The visuals are a standout feature of the film, with director Wes Anderson utilizing his signature whimsical style to bring the fictitious Eastern European setting to life. The Grand Budapest Hotel was a critical and commercial success upon its release and earned multiple Oscar nominations.