Tonight, late-night viewers in the UK were treated to a cinematic gem as Film4 aired the critically acclaimed neo-noir crime thriller Bad Times at The El Royale at 12:20 AM, giving a new audience the chance to experience one of the most intriguing films of the last decade. Released in 2018 and directed by Drew Goddard, this atmospheric thriller has steadily built a reputation as an underrated classic, praised for its ensemble cast, gripping narrative, and stylish execution.
The story unfolds in 1969 at the El Royale, a once-glamorous hotel straddling the California-Nevada border. Over the course of one fateful night, seven strangers—a Catholic priest (Jeff Bridges), a soul singer (Cynthia Erivo), a traveling salesman (Jon Hamm), two hippie sisters (Dakota Johnson and Cailee Spaeny), the hotel’s sole desk clerk (Lewis Pullman), and the enigmatic Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth)—find themselves drawn together by secrets, lies, and a desperate search for redemption. As the night progresses, the hotel transforms from a faded roadside refuge into a battleground of vice, revelation, and violence.
According to The Mirror, the film’s gripping plot and mysterious setting immediately set it apart from the average thriller. The El Royale itself becomes a character—a place where the past lingers in every shadow and every guest has something to hide. The narrative’s intricate structure, with time-shuffling flashbacks and slow-burning tension, keeps viewers guessing as the characters’ true motivations are gradually revealed.
Since its release, Bad Times at The El Royale has garnered significant critical acclaim. At the 45th Saturn Awards, the film received five nominations, including Best Writing for director Drew Goddard, Best Actor for Jeff Bridges, Best Supporting Actor for Lewis Pullman, and Best Supporting Actress for Cynthia Erivo. Most notably, it won the award for Best Thriller Film, cementing its status as a standout in its genre. The film also holds a solid 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its positive reception among both critics and audiences.
Reviewers have been effusive in their praise. One five-star review on Rotten Tomatoes, as cited by The Mirror, raved, “Setting, costumes, and atmosphere, whole cinematography is amazing. I also really liked the story with its many characters and their mysterious connections.” Another enthusiastic viewer described the film as “thought-provoking story about role of fate and choice. It’s gripping from the start to the end. Action-packed script, magnetic esthetic, jaw-dropping turns, music is outstanding and (quite a few songs from movies was added to my playlists).”
Fans and critics alike have singled out the performances of the ensemble cast for special praise. Chris Hemsworth, known for his heroic roles in blockbuster franchises, takes a sharp turn as the film’s charismatic yet sinister antagonist, Billy Lee. One reviewer noted, “It’s one of the rare times that Hemsworth plays a villainous character and Jeff Bridges delivers his usual jaw-dropping performance— notably out-acting, and out-macho-ing Hemsworth. It’s magic to watch. Constant surprises. Weird. A stunning period piece that makes use of countless tropes from the era (1969).” Another fan simply stated, “Incredible performances. Chris Hemsworth is an amazing actor. I hope we get to see more of him in parts like this one. The rest of the cast is great too. Jeff Bridges, John Hamm, Dakota Johnson, all of them. A must-watch!”
Lewis Pullman, as the haunted hotel clerk, and Cynthia Erivo, as the soulful singer, both deliver performances that add emotional depth and complexity to the story. The film’s period-accurate costumes, evocative soundtrack, and rich cinematography further immerse viewers in its late-1960s setting, with one reviewer calling it “a stunning period piece that makes use of countless tropes from the era.”
Despite its critical success and accolades, Bad Times at The El Royale was not a major box office hit upon release. According to JOE, the film debuted around the same time as several high-profile blockbusters—A Star is Born, Halloween (2018), and Venom—which may have overshadowed its more original, character-driven narrative. Nevertheless, its reputation has only grown over time, with many now considering it an underrated gem. As one five-star reviewer put it, “I guess this movie is totally underrated because no one talks about it from every direction. This is my favorite movie and I review it often.”
The film’s neo-noir sensibilities, reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s work, have also drawn comparisons to other stylized crime dramas. Its blend of political, religious, and cultural elements, along with its focus on the psychological struggles of its characters, offers more than just surface-level thrills. As one thoughtful fan explained, “Don’t just look at the surface of everything, dismantling the inner world is the most enjoyable part of this movie. The predicament in the secret room forced everyone to show their true colors of humanity. And added various political, religious, cultural and other elements.”
For those who missed the late-night broadcast, Bad Times at The El Royale is also available to stream on Disney+, providing another opportunity to catch this modern noir thriller. The film’s enduring appeal is a testament to its craftsmanship and the strength of its performances. As anticipation built for its airing on Film4, social media buzzed with viewers encouraging others not to miss out on what many now consider a must-watch film.
Tonight’s broadcast of Bad Times at The El Royale on Film4 was more than just another late-night movie slot; it was a celebration of a film that has quietly earned its place among the greats of modern crime cinema. With its rich atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and a story that keeps audiences guessing until the very end, it’s no wonder this thriller continues to captivate new fans every time it airs.
