Bad Times at the 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.