Logan Sork Film Reviews
Bad Times at the El Royale
The idea of taking a bunch of interesting characters and placing them in an isolated location for them to interact with one another is nothing new. There are many films and novels alike that use this set up to drive character driven plots. The isolated location and strange cast of characters allows for the generation of mystery suspense, and maybe even a little fun. However, just because an idea is not new doesn’t mean it can’t be good. Some of the best mysteries evert told revolve around this set-up, and I’m happy to say that Bad Times at the El Royale is a fine testament to the cleverness that this idea still serves. With a great cast of characters, a tightly wound and engaging plot and a unique look and feeling that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even when it gets bogged down with its own cleverness.
Bad Times at the El Royale is written and directed by Drew Goddard and has an ensemble cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm and Chris Hemsworth. The film takes place in 1969 at the El Royale motel, located on the boarder of California and Nevada. Darlene Sweets (Erivo) arrives at the hotel and meets Father Daniel Flynn (Bridges) where the two proceed to enter the hotel. Things seem off however as the usually bustling hotel is seemingly abandoned, the only two occupants being travelling salesman (Hamm) and the clerk (Lewis Pullman). Things only get stranger as the characters begin to investigate the hotel and interact with one another, leading to an engaging mystery surrounding not only the hotel, but also the occupants and their motives as to why they are there in the first place.
The strongest elements in the film are the characters and the actors playing them. Goddard manages to set up the characters in a way by which exposition and heavy dialogue from the characters aren’t necessary. From the moment we meet the characters, we understand how they act and what their background is… or so we think. As the film progresses we learn that some of the characters aren’t who they say they are, and it is through the brilliant writing and acting that many characters seem so real, even when it is revealed that they have been lying the whole time. Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Erivo are the real standouts, as their relationship carries the emotional core of the film. Props must also be given to the rest of the cast for playing such complex characters while managing to find some form of realism in their roles, no matter how exaggerated they are.
The mystery surrounding the hotel and the guests inhabiting it is also extremely engaging. From the very moment the characters step into the lobby of the hotel, it grips you with the question of what exactly is going on here. This suspense is only further increased as more and more questions arise surrounding the motivations and backgrounds of each character. There was never really a dull moment in the film, which is quite admirable. However, I will say that the film didn’t need to be as long as it was. The runtime was around 2 hours and 21 minutes, but stuff could have been trimmed down, though not by much.
Part of what makes this mystery so engaging is the editing techniques employed by the filmmakers. The film is almost episodic in a way, but not in a way that feels disjointed. We spend time with each character as he or she carries out their reason for being at the hotel. Through these moments, we learn about each character, but we also learn a little more about the hotel. This feeds the audience with enough information, but also not too much, keeping them engaged in the story. That being said, there was a point in which this technique broke the tension towards the third act. Though the film ultimately recovered from this, it was still quite noticeable an easily could’ve been fixed.
Other technical elements in the film are also top of the line. Everything from the costumes and vehicles to the cinematography and set design pops out from the screen, helping to further immerse the audience into the setting in which the film takes place. The hotel also feels like a character in its own, as it seems to have its own unique style and personality. We even learn about the hotel like we do the other characters, helping to transform the film into a truly immersive experience.
Bad Times at the El Royale is one of the best thrillers I’ve seen in recent years. Though it runs a little too long, there is no mistaking the unique experience that this film offers. With its great cast of characters, unique location and engaging story, this film is defiantly worth checking in to.
8.5/10