Bad Times at the El Royale Review: A Convoluted Trip to a Clever Hotel

Introduction

Bad Times at the El Royale arrived with a buzz, promising a stylish, multi-character crime thriller set in a unique location. Directed by Drew Goddard, known for his work on "Cabin in the Woods," the film centers on a dilapidated hotel straddling the California-Nevada state line, where a diverse group of strangers converges, each harboring secrets and ulterior motives. The setup is undeniably intriguing: a hotel literally divided, with money and mystery at its core, drawing in an eclectic cast for reasons unknown. Audiences were primed for a wild ride, but the execution often stumbles.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The film gathers a strong ensemble, though some characters prove more central than others. While the narrative attempts to give each person their moment, the true standouts emerge later. Jeff Bridges delivers a performance that anchors the film, providing a character for audiences to genuinely latch onto and empathize with. However, it's Chris Hemsworth who truly steals the show in the final act. His arrival injects a much-needed jolt of energy, proving to be a compelling and memorable presence that elevates the intensity of the film's climax. Despite these strong individual performances, the overall dynamic often feels disjointed, struggling to maintain consistent engagement.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Bad Times at the El Royale employs a non-linear narrative, frequently jumping between character perspectives and utilizing flashbacks to unravel its intricate plot. While this method can be effective in building intrigue—like the mystery of a secret passageway or a tied-up captive—the film overuses the technique. The constant resetting of momentum, flashing back to show events from another character's viewpoint, creates a "bungee cord effect" that repeatedly pulls the audience out of the developing story. Just as the plot gains traction, a new flashback hits, stalling the narrative and making the first two acts feel like a repetitive loop. This approach, reminiscent of a "Tarantino-esque" style, falls short without the sharp, engaging dialogue that defines such films. Despite Drew Goddard's previous success with witty scripts, the dialogue here often feels flat, leaving large sections where characters simply "do stuff" without much compelling interaction.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The film attempts to balance a serious crime drama with a quirky, clever editing style, resulting in a somewhat conflicted tone. While the structural ambition is evident, the movie never quite has as much fun as its premise implies. The pacing, despite the constant narrative shifts, often feels flat, leaving the impression that the director is more interested in flexing a "clever" approach than in genuinely entertaining the audience. The unique concept of the hotel being divided by a state line, while a great hook, ultimately proves to be little more than a novelty, having minimal actual relevance to the plot. This raises questions about the film's creative direction, especially when compared to Drew Goddard's earlier, more vibrant work like "Cabin in the Woods." The lack of engaging dialogue and consistent momentum makes one wonder if the creative spark that defined his previous projects was fully present here.

The Final Verdict

Bad Times at the El Royale is a film with a fantastic premise and a talented cast, but it ultimately gets lost in its own narrative ambition. While the final act manages to pull things together, offering a more focused and intense experience, the journey to get there is often a frustrating one. The constant flashbacks and perspective shifts, intended to be clever, instead break momentum and prevent true investment. It's a movie that tries to be a smart, stylish crime thriller but often feels like a second-rate imitation, lacking the sharp dialogue and consistent pacing needed to truly shine. For those who appreciate visual flair and don't mind a meandering plot, there are moments of intrigue, but many will find themselves wishing for a more straightforward and engaging experience.