Bad Times at the El Royale

Bad Times at the El Royale is a thriller film directed, produced, and written by Drew Goddard. The movie, set in the late 1960s, stars an ensemble cast of Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, Cailee Spaeny, and Lewis Pullman.

The story takes place at the El Royale, a hotel located on the border between California and Nevada. The hotel, which once hosted famous celebrities and politicians, is now almost deserted. Seven strangers arrive at the hotel on the same fateful night, all with different agendas and secrets.

Jeff Bridges plays Father Daniel Flynn, a priest who checks into the hotel with a mysterious leather bag. Cynthia Erivo plays Darlene Sweet, a struggling singer who wants to make it big in the music industry. Dakota Johnson plays Emily Summerspring, a young woman who arrives at the hotel with her sister Ruth.

Jon Hamm plays Laramie Seymour Sullivan, a vacuum cleaner salesman who claims to work for the FBI. Chris Hemsworth plays Billy Lee, a charismatic and dangerous cult leader. Cailee Spaeny plays Rose Summerspring, Emily's younger sister. Lastly, Lewis Pullman plays Miles Miller, the hotel's clerk and the only staff member on duty.

As the night progresses, events take a sudden turn, and the strangers' hidden agendas come to light. The various subplots of the film unfold, building the tension and the suspense.

Goddard’s storytelling is unpredictable and complex, with each character holding a pivotal piece of the puzzle. The film manages to weave together themes of redemption, faith, and morality, and questions whether or not it's possible to outrun our past mistakes.

The ensemble cast is excellent, each delivering strong performances that give depth to their characters. Jeff Bridges shines as the troubled priest who seems to be drowning in guilt. Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerful and soulful singing performance that showcases her vocal talent. Dakota Johnson is convincing as the troubled and secretive Emily. Jon Hamm delivers a compelling and nuanced portrayal of a man with a hidden agenda.

Chris Hemsworth, who plays Billy Lee, is captivating in his role, creating a character that is both charismatic and menacing. Despite his limited screen time, he makes a significant impact on the story.

The cinematography of the film is impressive, with Goddard and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey creating visually striking scenes. The film's use of a split-screen adds to the movie's style and overall ambiance.

The music in the film is a standout and adds to the overall atmosphere. The soundtrack, which features oldies music from the late 1960s, perfectly encapsulates the era that the film is set.

Finally, the film presents profound philosophical questions about the nature of sin, redemption, and morality. It questions whether people can escape their past actions or if they're forever bound to them.

In summary, Bad Times at the El Royale is an intense and suspenseful film that expertly balances character-driven subplots with overall themes of morality and redemption. Drew Goddard's direction is masterful, creating a unique and compelling story that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The ensemble cast delivers sterling performances, making it a standout film of 2018.