“Bad Times at the El Royale” is one of those movies that is best enjoyed when you know nothing about its premise, the better for you to enjoy all the twists and surprises. Which probably explains why the producers took great care to keeping its secrets, you know secret.
With that being said, fear not dear reader as this review has no spoilers whatsoever and you will easily still be able to enjoy the film for all of its jaw dropping surprises.
Nothing is what it seems at the run down “El Royale” hotel, which straddles the borders of California and Nevada. You can choose whether to stay on the California side or on the Nevada side of the hotel, one side costs more, guess which one.
Set in 1969, seven strangers with their own secrets meet one fateful night and things get weird fast. Jeff Bridges is Father Daniel Flynn, a Catholic priest staying for the night after seeing his brother. Cynthia Erivo is Darlene Sweet, a soul singer, so yes you can expect a couple of amazing performances and song choices in this one.
John Hamm, is Seymour Sullivan, a traveling sales agent for a vacuum company.
Dakota Johnson is Emily Summerspring. A woman who gives little to no introduction when she checks in the hotel, and lets keep it at that.
Lewis Pullman is Miles Miller, the concierge in the hotel.
Chris Hemsworth is the charismatic and often shirtless (not that I’m complaining) Billy Lee.
Cailee Spaeny is Rose.
Despite its long run time “Bad Times at the El Royale” is an unpredictable thriller filled with surprises at every corner. The framing of the scenes, the visuals used, the transition from flashbacks to the present is very meticulous and precise.
The film’s long run time definitely hurt the pace of the story, I could think of a at least five scenes that could have been trimmed down but would still have the same effect in the end. So if you are seeing this one, and I would recommend that you do. Make sure you plan it out on your schedule.
Darlene (Cynthia Erivio) steals the show in this one, her jaded and wise beyond years character, whose kindness is a light in this dark tale will have you rooting for her. She will also soon star in the highly anticipated “Widows”.
These seven strangers come face to face with the hotel’s shocking secrets. The question is- who gets to check out?
7.5/10 “Bad Times at the El Royale” is now showing.