In Bad Times at the El Royale, a bunch of strangers meets in a hotel and what follows is a snowballed collection of misadventure. More importantly, the director and writer Drew Goddard have finally given his fans a second film after his directorial debut The Cabin in the Woods (2012) If this was a title you previously overlooked, find the streaming platform and watch the film as soon as possible.

Straight up, this is a well-crafted film. It’s enjoyable from every angle, the story unwraps over the course of its 141-minute runtime (excellent for hiding at the theatre) and you get just enough of each character to feel something for them. All the ingredients of a good movie. With seven characters that all engage you differently establishing a report with all of them is a tall order. I can’t even imagine the skill it would take to make something like this work.

Previous experience with Goddard’s previous film, however, shows the ability to do this is obviously in his blood. Not only can he build up and intertwine a character set, but he also smashed in some super in-depth insight into what might compel a cult leader to be who he is. Overall, it’s mighty fine writing and captured beautifully by producers who have also worked on some exceptionally stellar films.

Is It All Trumpets and Confetti?

I had a few small issues with the decisions made by the characters in Bad Times at the El Royale. Mostly with Rose and Emily who are two sisters and pretty much propel most of what makes the story tick. It’s the type of decision that doesn’t fit seamlessly into a film like this. All of the events that transpire within the hotel rely completely on chance. I’m fine with that, and I’m also fine with a few other things happening in the finale which tidied all the loose ends. These decisions caused a smidge of a disappointment though.

Decision-wise, what I really couldn’t budge on was Emily’s stupidity. I’m not going to spoil anything with specifics so feel free to comment on whether you agree or not. Nonetheless though, oh how I loved her performance. having only seen her in 50 Shades (Yes I have seen them) I really liked her in this.

The El Royale Film is Streaming Online

Cailee Spaeny who plays her sister Rose is also one to watch out for. Her recent series Devs looks sure to be a massive hit so no doubt you’ll hear about her then. She was amazing here, despite her limited screen time. For me, Jeff Bridges as a dementia-riddled man of the cloth stole the show with Hemsworth shining like an evil brilliant light in the midst of all the chaos.

I give Bad Times at the El Royale

4.5 coincidences or not, it’s still a great film out of 5

Mother of Movies score