The film takes place round about 1970. The El Royale is a hotel on the border between California and Nevada. Not at the side of the border, but literally on the border. The border runs through the middle of the hotel. Half of the rooms are in Nevada, the other half in California. The rooms in California are a dollar more expensive. Higher state taxes? The bar is in the middle of the hotel, but because of different licensing laws alcohol can only be served on the California side of the bar, not in Nevada.
Four people check into the hotel on the same day: a Catholic priest, a female soul singer, a vacuum cleaner salesman who talks too much and a hippie-ish woman who doesn't want to talk at all.
The film's strength is in its suspense and the way the characters develop. In segments the story focuses on the characters in turn, and we learn that they all have secrets. None of them are what they seem to be at first. They all have different agendas that bring them into conflict with one another.
I can understand that some people might not like it. The plot is complex, maybe too complex for people who're looking for a relaxing evening at the cinema. This is a film where you have to pay attention to details. It's not too complex to understand, but you need to stay alert.
This is only the second film that Drew Goddard has directed, but his first film, "Cabin in the Woods", was remarkable for a first film. I had to see his second film. He's had more experience as a script writer for television series like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel".
Overall, this is an excellent film that I can strongly recommend. It's a film that I want to see again.
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