Bad Times at the El Royale

Bad Times at the El Royale offers a stylish take on crime and mystery, but it often feels more concerned with its aesthetic than its pacing. While some characters shine, others are disappointingly underdeveloped.

Secrets at the El Royale

Set in the late 1960s, the film unfolds at the El Royale, a once-glamorous motel where seven strangers with dark secrets converge. Each character is given their moment to reveal their pasts, leading to a tangled web of betrayal and redemption. As a storm brews outside, the film’s tension escalates, intertwining the characters' stories in shocking ways. However, the ambitious narrative occasionally stumbles, with some plot points feeling forced or underexplained, leaving viewers wanting more clarity in the chaos. The film tries to balance these various arcs, but the execution can feel clumsy at times.

Performances in the Shadows

The performances in El Royale are a mixed bag. Jeff Bridges delivers a solid performance as the ambiguous Father Daniel Flynn, and Cynthia Erivo stands out as Darlene, showcasing both vulnerability and strength. However, Dakota Johnson's character lacks depth, leaving her storyline feeling like an afterthought. Chris Hemsworth, while charismatic as the cult leader Billy Lee, veers dangerously close to caricature, which doesn't help the tonal balance. Lewis Pullman’s Miles Miller offers a relatable perspective, but many characters are left underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall impact of their revelations.

Style Over Substance

Drew Goddard’s directorial style is visually striking, with a neon-soaked aesthetic that captures the essence of the 1960s. The use of color and set design effectively creates a moody atmosphere, making the El Royale feel like a character in its own right. However, the pacing suffers due to scenes that linger too long on visuals rather than advancing the plot. The film's editing choices, while artistic, sometimes disrupt the flow, leaving scenes feeling disjointed. The soundtrack, filled with period-appropriate hits, enhances the experience but can occasionally overshadow the dialogue.

Engaging Yet Frustrating

Watching Bad Times at the El Royale can evoke a mix of intrigue and frustration. The film's ambition is commendable, but at 141 minutes, it drags in places. Some moments are genuinely engaging, yet the disconnect between characters can lead to emotional disengagement. Instead of feeling the weight of their secrets, viewers may find themselves more puzzled than moved. The buildup to the climax is tense, but by the time the final revelations come, they might feel more like an obligation than a payoff. This inconsistency results in a viewing experience that fluctuates between excitement and ennui.