Bad Times at the El Royale embodies a lot of the suspense movie genre. With its gorgeous style, Hitchcock thriller elements, talented actors and '60s vibes, I love it.
From the very first shot that landed on the screen, I was hooked - an experience that didn't fade away throughout the movie's 140-minute runtime. The film presents a slick version of a pulp fiction-style character thriller, paired with an excellent soundtrack and impeccable cinematography, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Seven strangers gather at a rundown motel on the California-Nevada border on a stormy night. However, the clamor of thunder was not enough to cover up every stranger's secret. The movie borrows a lot of elements from the noir thriller of the same genre, but it does bring something new as well. The plot itself cannot be said to be impeccable. Instead, a non-linear plot arrangement - without such a talented cast, would be a risky move. In particular, Broadway actress Cynthia Erivo (who plays soul singer Darlene Sweet) has an excellent performance.
Another highlight of the film is its cinematography. Constantly moved by the interesting ideas of aesthetic exploration in the film, where every shot has a purpose, every frame is positioned in an interesting way, and the color of the photography also brings life to the story. It's easy to think of this movie as a parody of Tarantino. However, I've seen a lot of films that mimic Tarantino's style, and this one is more of a homage.
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