Bad Times at the El Royale, a 2018 neo-noir thriller film directed by Drew Goddard, unfolds against the backdrop of the late 1960s at a fictional hotel named the El Royale, straddling the California-Nevada state line. The narrative weaves together the stories of diverse characters, each harboring secrets and agendas, converging on this enigmatic establishment. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth, whose performances contribute to the suspenseful atmosphere. As the characters’ paths cross and tensions escalate, the El Royale transforms into a microcosm of deception, intrigue, and unexpected alliances.

Goddard’s directorial choices imbue the film with a distinctive visual style, utilizing split-screen techniques and dynamic camera work to amplify the suspense and reveal multiple perspectives simultaneously. The elaborate set design of the El Royale, with its dual-state motif and hidden corridors, becomes a character in itself, echoing the secrets concealed within its walls. The film’s soundtrack, featuring period-appropriate music, enhances the nostalgic yet foreboding atmosphere. “Bad Times at the El Royale” stands out as a genre-blending cinematic experience, fusing elements of crime, mystery, and thriller genres while subverting audience expectations. With its non-linear storytelling and morally ambiguous characters, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, navigating through a maze of deception and revelation in the heart of a uniquely atmospheric setting.