‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ will scratch that Tarintino itch
By Drew Henderson// A&E Editor
Ever since I saw the trailer for “Bad Times at the El Royale” months ago, I was hooked to find out what happens in this movie with some of my favorite actors appearing, such as Jeff Bridges, John Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth. It also had to be one of the only movies that I had not looked into more after the first trailer because that is how great the trailer hooked me. I wanted to go in opening night and be surprised to whatever was thrown at me during its 141-minute runtime. But after a week of sitting on my thoughts, I am finally able to put into words about what I feel about this film. “Bad Times at the El Royale” is a great mystery thriller that feels inspired by other great filmmakers such as Quintin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers. It is a masterclass production, from the set design to its’ incredible throwback soundtrack to the performance of every single actor featured in the film. My only complaints would have to be the runtime and the overuse of flashbacks.
Like movies before it such as “The Hateful Eight,” this is a story that relies on the strengths of its characters and does a great job of setting a backstory and drive for its characters. In this barely sustainable hotel, seven strangers cross paths: a priest with a dark past, a singer down on her luck, a vacuum salesman, a strange lobby boy and two sisters on the run from a Manson-like cult leader. Each of these characters is cemented by strong performances, especially newcomer Cynthia Erivo. This will probably be known as her breakout role, as she definitely is the strongest character in “Bad Times at the El Royale.” A singer down on her luck, just hopping from hotel to hotel, makes the mistake of staying the night at the El Royale and now has to survive with the help of Father Flynn (Bridges). Father Flynn is a man with a past he cannot quite remember, but only one goal when coming to the El Royale. I will not spoil it because the mystery and the unraveling of each of these characters are what make this movie so engaging.
Every other character is excellent in their merit as well, with Dakota Johnson giving a great performance and finally unshackled from the excuse of movies that was the “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy. Newcomers Lewis Pullman and Cailee Spaeny make themselves known in this film playing damaged people and trying to get away from their violent pasts.
On the negative side, the roles played by actors such as Jon Hamm,and Chris Hemsworth could have been better. They make their mark with the time they have with their characters, but I honestly wished both of these actors had more screen time as they brought extraordinary charisma to their roles.
The story is one of the highlights as well. It is interesting seeing the world around these strangers reveal itself and how some of them are responsible for the events that unfold, not only in the hotel but the world around them.
A lot of flashbacks were used. Each one doing a great job at fleshing out each character, but whenever the story is building to a conflict in the present, a flashback happens and ruins the pacing. The film could have cut one or two of these flashbacks to streamline the story and keep it flowing at a faster pace. But with runtime and flashbacks being my only problem with the film, “Bad Times at the El Royale,” is an excellent mystery-thriller elevated by an exceptional setting, direction, writing and performances.
“Bad Times at the El Royale” brings together seven strangers who let their secrets get the best of them and tear the place apart in one night. Photo by 20th Century Fox