Bad Times at the El Royale 2018
Directed by
Drew Goddard
Made by
Twentieth Century Fox
Plot Summary
In the year 1969, a group of unlikely individuals converge at the enigmatic El Royale hotel, each harboring their own secrets. Among them is the dubious Catholic priest, Daniel Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), who is actually a robber disguising himself to blend in. Alongside him is the captivating singer Darlene Sweet (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo), along with the charming salesman, Laramie Seymour Sullivan (played by Jon Hamm), who is revealed to be an undercover FBI agent, operating under the alias Dwight Broadbeck.
As they check into the honeymoon suite, Sullivan uncovers a hidden passage that leads to a series of rooms equipped with one-way mirrors and a 16mm camera setup monitoring the guests. Intrigued, he catches glimpses of Daniel Flynn rummaging through the floorboards and witnesses a shocking scene—a kidnapping by the witty and sarcastic Emily Summerspring (brought to life by Dakota Johnson), who is seen tying up her younger sister, Rose (played by Cailee Spaeny).
Sullivan’s directive from his superior, Hoover, is not to intervene in the kidnapping situation and to sabotage the guests’ vehicles to thwart any escape plans. Amidst the drama, Flynn attempts to charm Sweet into dinner, but his ulterior motives become evident when he tries to drug her drink. However, with a swift and daring move, she seizes a bottle and knocks him out, fleeing from the chaos of the hotel.
Miles Miller, the hotel’s sole employee and a former sniper from the Vietnam War, discovers Flynn and reveals the unsettling truth about the hotel’s secretive management filming the guests. In a twist of fate, Flynn, who is actually a criminal by the name of Donald O’Kelly, pressures Miles into surrendering a damning film reel he has stashed away.
As the night unfurls, both Emily and Rose confront Miles about the surveillance operation, unveiling Emily’s dangerous past with a cult led by the sinister Billy Lee (played by Chris Hemsworth). Just as they plan to escape, Billy and his followers storm in, holding everyone hostage, interested in the money Flynn and Sweet have found and the incriminating footage.
In an intense game of roulette orchestrated by Billy, the stakes become deadly as Emily is brutally killed. In the ensuing chaos—a fire igniting in the hotel—an unlikely hero emerges. Miles, invigorated by the memory of his past, retrieves a gun and confronts the cult, ultimately killing Billy and his minions. However, in a heartbreaking twist, Rose fatally stabs Miles but is then shot by O’Kelly, who is caught in a web of remorse and guilt.
As the night wanes, Sweet and O’Kelly manage to escape with the hidden cash, while Sweet destroys the damaging film in flames. They depart the flaming remnants of the bizarre hotel, leaving behind a night filled with chaos, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.
Later, Sweet takes to the stage in Reno, performing confidently as O’Kelly watches on, proud of their tumultuous journey—a stark contrast to their harrowing experiences within the El Royale.
Timeline
Guests Arrive at El Royale
In 1969, a group of diverse individuals check into the mysterious El Royale hotel, each with their own secrets. The atmosphere is thick with tension as the guests begin to settle in, unaware of the dark events that are about to unfold.
Daniel Flynn's True Identity Revealed
Among the guests is Daniel Flynn, a dubious Catholic priest played by Jeff Bridges. It is later revealed that he is actually Donald O'Kelly, a robber disguising himself to avoid detection.
Laramie Sullivan's Discovery
Laramie Seymour Sullivan, an undercover FBI agent posing as a salesman, uncovers a hidden passage within the honeymoon suite. He finds rooms with one-way mirrors and a camera setup, leading him to witness nefarious activities occurring within the hotel.
The Kidnapping Scene
Sullivan catches a shocking scene on camera, where Emily Summerspring is seen tying up her younger sister, Rose. This revelation sets off a series of actions that will intertwine the fates of all the guests.
Sullivan's Orders from Hoover
Sullivan receives strict orders from his superior, Hoover, not to interfere with the kidnapping. He is instructed to sabotage the guests' vehicles to prevent any possible escape attempts, further complicating the unfolding drama.
Dinner with Darlene Sweet
Daniel Flynn tries to charm Darlene Sweet into having dinner, masking his true intentions. However, his plan backfires when Sweet retaliates against his attempts to drug her drink, showcasing her strength and resolve.
Miles Discovers the Truth
Miles Miller, the hotel's lone employee and a Vietnam War veteran, discovers Daniel Flynn's true identity and learns about the hotel's secret filming operations. He confronts Flynn, realizing the stakes are much higher than he initially thought.
Emily's Dark Past
Emily and Rose confront Miles about the surveillance operation, revealing Emily's dangerous history with a cult led by the deceptive Billy Lee. This revelation heightens the tension and urgency for escape.
The Cult Storms In
As the guests plan their escape, the cult led by Billy Lee violently intervenes, taking everyone hostage. Chaos ensues as the cult members demand the money Flynn and Sweet have recovered, along with the incriminating film of the guests.
Tragic Events During Roulette
In a deadly game of roulette orchestrated by Billy, Emily meets a tragic end. The atmosphere turns desperate as innocent lives are lost, and the hotel becomes a battleground for survival amidst flames.
Miles Confronts the Cult
In a heroic moment, Miles retrieves a gun and confronts Billy and his followers, resulting in a violent showdown. As he fights for control, he ultimately manages to kill Billy, but the cost is deeply personal.
Betrayal and Guilt
As the chaos continues, Rose fatally stabs Miles in a moment of desperation. However, O'Kelly, overwhelmed by guilt, shoots Rose in retaliation, showcasing the tragic consequences of their intertwining fates.
Escape from the Inferno
With the hotel ablaze, Darlene Sweet and O'Kelly manage to escape with hidden cash, leaving behind the horror of the night. Sweet makes a pivotal decision to destroy the incriminating film in flames, severing their ties to the turmoil.
Sweet's New Beginning
Later, Darlene Sweet performs confidently on stage in Reno, marking a new chapter in her life. O'Kelly watches proudly, reflecting on their tumultuous journey and the stark contrast to their harrowing experiences at El Royale.
Characters
Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth)
Billy Lee is a charismatic but sinister cult leader whose ruthless ambition drives him to infiltrate the chaos at the El Royale. His charming exterior masks a violent disposition, making him a formidable antagonist as he manipulates and threatens the other characters. His desire for control and power culminates in a disastrous confrontation, emphasizing the theme of corruption within a seemingly alluring facade.
Darlene Sweet (Cynthia Erivo)
Darlene Sweet is a talented singer who embodies resilience and strength amid turmoil. Her captivating voice is juxtaposed against the danger unfolding in the hotel, and she becomes a beacon of hope for others. Throughout the chaos, she demonstrates bravery, ultimately taking action to protect herself and confront her assailant, showing the power of self-defense and empowerment.
Miles Miller (Lewis Pullman)
Miles Miller, the hotel's only employee, wrestles with his traumatic past as a sniper and reveals his courage in the face of chaos. Initially timid, he transforms into an unlikely hero who confronts the cult with determination. His character arc highlights themes of valor and redemption as he grapples with guilt and responsibility in saving others.
Emily Summerspring (Dakota Johnson)
Emily Summerspring is a complex character with a dangerous past involving a cult, showcasing a mix of charm and peril. Her actions set off a chain of events that escalate the tension in the hotel. A master of manipulation, she embodies the destructive nature of past traumas while revealing her layered motivations throughout the story.
Setting
Time period
1969
The year 1969 marked a pivotal moment in American history, characterized by cultural shifts, social upheaval, and burgeoning movements for civil rights and anti-war sentiments. It was an era filled with change and contradiction, encapsulating the struggles individuals faced against their personal demons. This backdrop serves as a fitting context for the unraveling of the characters' secrets at the El Royale.
Location
El Royale, Reno
The El Royale hotel is a once-glamorous establishment with a mysterious aura, known for its hidden secrets and dark past. Set in a remote location, it becomes a crucible for drama as various characters converge, each with their own hidden motives. Reno, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant entertainment scene, where Sweet showcases her talents, symbolizing hope and resilience after their harrowing experiences.
Themes
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Deception
Deception runs rampant within the walls of the El Royale, where every character struggles to maintain a façade while hiding their true selves. The priest is actually a robber, and an undercover FBI agent conceals his true purpose, revealing how mistrust can permeate relationships. This theme highlights the consequences of dishonesty and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets.
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Chaos
Chaos engulfs the El Royale as the night unfolds, from the initial tension of hidden motives to deadly confrontations between the characters and external threats. The hotel serves as a microcosm of unpredictability, where the line between ally and enemy dissipates. This theme captures the essence of survival in a volatile environment, where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner.
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Betrayal
Betrayal deeply impacts the narrative as characters deceive each other, leading to tragic outcomes. The flawed relationships create a sense of isolation and reveal the vulnerable state of trust among the individuals. As Emily and Rose navigate their intertwined paths, they must confront the betrayals in their own lives, ultimately culminating in a heartbreaking finale.
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