Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) Movie Script

Are you lost, Father?

Sorry?

Are you lost?

No.

I suppose not.

According to this,

I am in Nevada.

I've never been

to Nevada before.

What's it like?

Oh... It's not bad.

Looks like it might rain.

What's California like

these days?

Well...

still sunny.

Can I give you a hand there?

That's very kind of you.

Thank you.

Oh!

Please.

How are you

enjoying Nevada so far?

So far, so good.

Those are my accouterments.

Over there by the front desk.

That's my trunk.

That's my fortnighter.

That's my hat case.

And I would ask you folk...

to please respect my claim

when it comes time

to divvyin' up the rooms.

But when that'll be

is anybody's guess.

Been ringin' that dang bell

so much my hand is tired.

My ears are sore.

And my constitution

needs coffee.

That's why I was

scratchin' around back there.

I did find some...

though I can't vouch

for the quality.

Laramie Seymour Sullivan.

Sales manager,

Calhoun Appliances.

My name might not be

on the masthead there...

but that don't mean

we aren't a family business.

Ma'am.

Hello.

And what may I call you, Father?

Daniel Flynn.

Nice to meet you.

Oh, Father Flynn.

That's easy to remember.

Alliterative and such.

Whereabouts is your parish?

The Immaculate Heart of Mary's

in Bloomington, Indiana.

Well, let me just

say up front that myself

and the good people

of East Biloxi Baptist...

may have our differences

with your pope...

but I do believe we all carry

the divinity of Jesus Christ

in our hearts.

And that makes us brothers

as far as I'm concerned.

You're more than welcome

to give that bell a whirl

if you'd like.

You might have better luck

than I did.

So what about you, darlin'?

Are you in

the hospitality business?

I do not work in

the hospitality business, no.

Well, I am going to give you

my card anyway.

I bet you know some gals

who just might need a vacuum.

Your first time

at the El Royale?

Ooh.

Well, it wasn't

always like this.

And I don't just mean

you could find a clerk

come check-in time.

No, no, no.

This place used to be

hustlin' and bustlin'.

Tahoe's best-kept secret.

I mean it was always

a bit of a novelty,

yeah, sure, of course.

But there's state fair novelty

and then there's

old horse novelty.

And I believe we are firmly

in the old horse variety.

Yessir! 1966,

this place had swing.

Hell, I don't even think

I could get a room here

in the main lodge if I tried.

It was a hidey-hole for

the Tahoe swells, you know?

Old Dean Martin

even sang a song about it.

"Half in California

with Judy."

No?

Well, wasn't one of

his best. Coffee?

Oh, no, thank you.

Oh, come on, girl.

I made a whole pot.

Shame for it to go to waste.

There you go.

Atta girl.

I'll let the clerk

give you the whole spiel

if he ever shows up again,

that is.

But the thing

they always leave out...

is that this place

lost its gambling license

about a year ago.

Something to do with

the commission or some such.

So all the swells

took their business elsewhere.

Now the main lodge

is all that's open.

The pool is filled with ducks.

And they'll even rent you

a room by the hour

if you ask real quietlike.

There you go, Father.

Thank you.

Mmm-hmm. Although if

we're bein' honest...

that's probably

the only reason that a priest,

a vacuum salesman,

and a negro...

could afford freight here,

am I right?

I'm just funnin'.

Truth be told, my stay

is on Calhoun Appliances...

which is why room choice

is so important to me...

and why I ask you

to respect my accoutrement

as proxy to my person.

I intend to lavish myself.

I always wanted to stay

in the honeymoon suite...

although I'm not currently

on my honeymoon.

The lady's got a harder hand

than we do, Father.

Oh...

I am very sorry

to keep you waiting.

Damn, boy, where you been?

Waitin' in this lobby so long,

I could use a shave.

What's wrong with you?

I am very sorry.

What are you doing here, Father?

Do I know you, son?

No. But, I mean, this is not

a place for a priest, Father.

You shouldn't be here.

We might need to

work on your sales pitch, son.

"The El Royale,

no place for a priest."

There are other hotels, Father.

Maybe closer to Tahoe.

I could help you find one.

I'm sure you would

be happier there.

Uh, Miles, is it?

Mmm-hmm.

If this is not a place

for a priest, Miles...

then this is exactly

where the Lord wants me.

Well, the Lord don't want you

in the honeymoon suite.

I can promise you that.

Miles, those are

my accoutrement there

and I stake my claim as such.

But you can go ahead

and check them in first.

I don't mind.

It's all right, son.

Come on, boy.

Give him the whole spiel.

The El Royale.

And blah, blah, blah.

The El Royale

is a bi-state establishment.

You have the option to stay

in either the great state

of California...

or the great state of Nevada.

Warmth and sunshine

to the west...

or hope and opportunity

to the east.

Which would you prefer?

What's the difference?

Between California and Nevada?

Between the rooms.

Well, for starters,

rooms in California

cost a dollar more.

Really?

When did that happen?

What makes 'em a dollar better?

They're in California.

And that's worth a dollar?

Some people think so.

You got a phone number

for any of those people?

'Cause I sure would

like to sell them

one of these vacuum cleaners.

Hey, speaking of which,

who handles your hospitality

here at the hotel?

Currently, that is also me.

Oh, well...

Shit.

We'll have to worry

about that later.

May I see a map

of the hotel, please?

Mmm-hmm.

Only the main lodge is

available in the off-season.

You could still use

the California amenities

if you choose to stay in Nevada.

What exactly is

a California amenity?

Uh, for instance,

we're not allowed

to sell liquor in Nevada.

So if we wanna drink,

we gotta do it

on that side of the room?

That is correct, sir.

Also, coffee is 25 cents a cup.

Let me guess.

You're also the bartender?

That is correct, sir.

All right. Well...

Feel free to flip that

if you need to make

a decision, Father.

Startin' to cost me money

waitin' around this place.

Oh.

Four. I'll take room four.

I'll need one night

in advance. Eight dollars.

And it's 25 cents

for the coffee.

Please sign the ledger.

Who's next?

May I have a room

in Nevada please, Miles?

Room five.

Um, is there

another room available?

Possibly further away?

Uh, those rooms have not been

serviced and are unsuitable.

He also does

the housekeeping,

remember?

There are rooms in California

available, ma'am.

Miles, she don't wanna be

near the priest.

It's not like we didn't

see her walkin' in here...

with her own bed rolls

under her arms.

No judgment on you there,

darlin'.

Maybe you can talk

to the Father here...

about, uh, Mary Magdalene

and forgiveness and whatnot.

Room five will be fine.

Please sign the ledger.

And it's 25 cents

for the coffee.

Okay. Of course.

Thank you.

Can I give you a hand

to your room?

No.

Sorry, Father. Uh...

That's very kind of you.

But I can manage from here.

Ma'am.

Good afternoon.

Who's next?

Please, be my fuckin' guest.

I need a room.

The El Royale

is a bi-state establishment.

You have the option to stay in

either the great state of...

I'll take this one.

Um...

Don't fuckin' tell me.

I'll take room one.

You can't have room one.

Do you not see my fortnighter

right there at your feet?

Do I really have to explain

the concept of

a free-market claim stake...

to the goddamn hippie?

Give me something

along this wall then.

The available rooms on that wall

have yet to be cleaned, and...

I don't give a shit.

How much?

Eight dollars.

Please sign the ledger.

You have yourself

a pleasant day, ma'am.

Nice.

I'll take room one.

Hello, my love.

I'm sorry.

I know.

Check-in took a little longer

than expected.

Is she still up?

Good.

Hello, bunny rabbit.

Yes.

The clock is right

and Daddy is wrong.

I'm sorry. I was delayed.

I am ready.

Yes, I am on my knees.

Now I lay me down to sleep...

pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake...

We're not saying

that part anymore?

Where did you hear

the word "morbid"?

Well, what does Mommy

want us to say?

"And when I wake

in the morning light"? Okay.

And when I wake in the...

From the beginning?

Okay.

Now I lay me down to sleep...

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

And when I wake

in the morning light...

teach me to do what's right.

Amen.

Okay, bunny rabbit,

Daddy has to go.

Will you tell Mommy I love her?

And I love you, too.

Sleep tight.

Together can

serve the cause of peace.

Mr. President,

do you consider it possible

to have a ceasefire

in Vietnam...

so long as the Viet Cong still

occupy Vietnamese territory?

I think that it is not helpful

in discussing Vietnam...

to use such terms

as "ceasefire"...

because ceasefire

is a term of art...

that really has no relevance,

in my opinion,

to a guerrilla war.

When you're talking about

a conventional war...

then a ceasefire,

agreed upon by two parties,

means that the shooting stops.

But when you have

a guerrilla war in which

one side may not even

be able to control...

many of those

who are responsible

for the violence in the area...

the ceasefire

may be meaningless.

This is a Channel 7

News Special Report.

Police are

searching for suspects

in the grisly murders...

of noted Malibu County

pediatrician

Bernard Webber

and his wife, Etheline.

The couple was found

stabbed to death

early this morning

in their beachfront home.

Director's office.

Case 246673.

Director Hoover,

it's Special Agent Broadbeck.

I'm here on site

at the El Royale.

Sir, we have a problem.

Good morning, everyone.

Let's have a listen, shall we?

Cut. Cut.

Cut it.

All right, let's take

a break, everyone. Shall we?

And, Darlene, a word, please.

Darlene...

do you know

how much my time is worth?

No, sir, um...

Mr. Sunday.

Well, Columbia Records does.

Columbia Records

currently values my time

at $200 an hour.

Are you currently in a position

where you can afford

to turn down...

two, four, $600 when

it's offered to you?

No, I'm not.

Mmm.

$600 of my time...

and still you wanted to stay,

what was it?

"Fresh."

Which apparently means

flat on the intro

and sharp on harmonies.

I'll get it right next time,

Mr. Sunday. I promise.

Yeah.

Do you know how much

your time is worth, Darlene?

$12 a session.

No matter how long the session.

Which, I suppose,

means the longer I keep you,

the less your time is worth.

Right?

Darlene...

I think that you have

a choice here.

Give me one year of your time.

I can make you a star.

You'll be singing lead...

headlining the Riviera.

Or...

you can continue to treat

my time as disposable.

Keep scrounging for $12

backup gigs until they dry up.

Five years from now,

you'll wake up...

find yourself shuffling

between shit hotels...

begging for the opening slot

on pancake night...

in Reno.

Darlene.

Do we understand?

Good.

All right then.

Yes?

Hello, Darlene.

It's Father Flynn from earlier.

I'm so sorry. I was making

too much noise, wasn't I?

Oh, no. No, not at all.

I have to rehearse

and I was trying

to keep it quiet, but...

I'm sorry, I won't bother you.

No, it was no bother.

Quite the opposite,

actually. It's lovely.

Thank you.

That song that you were singing,

did you write that?

Oh, no, it's by

The Isley Brothers.

Your brothers wrote that?

No, um, it's a famous song.

It's been on the radio.

Oh. I don't know too much

about the radio these days.

I was gonna go find some food

in the lounge...

and I thought I'd see

if you'd like to join?

With this place, there's

probably strength in numbers.

No, that's all right.

You sure? It's on me.

Consider it payment.

For letting me listen

to you sing.

That's a very nice thing to say.

Why even have a bell?

I suspect we're on our own.

I handle food.

You handle entertainment?

Deal.

We're told

both the husband and wife

suffered multiple stab wounds...

and were dead

when the deputies arrived.

Bernard Webber was well known

in the Malibu community...

and was very active in local

philanthropic endeavors...

mostly concerning

homeless children.

You really never

heard of The Isley Brothers?

Then we have some work to do.

How are you making out

over here?

You're definitely better

at your job

than I am at mine.

How lucky

are you feeling tonight?

Definitely not

eat-that-sandwich lucky.

Pie?

Pie's good.

We have a very good, uh...

Well, no. Now that

I've heard you sing...

we have a pretty good choir

at the Heart of Mary.

That's actually how

I got started.

Church choir.

Ah.

St. Paul's Evangelical

in Decatur.

Lutheran. But we don't

have to get into that.

You're forgiven.

I'm sure we must've sung

some of the same stuff.

Do you know, um,

Nearer, My God, to Thee?

Mmm.

And Alleluia! Sing to Jesus?

Mmm.

What about Hold Me

in Your Arms, Lift Me on High?

That was my first solo.

Oh.

It goes...

You got that?

To be honest, my memory, um...

isn't quite what it was.

Okay.

I think I'm gonna have a toddy.

Can I interest you?

No, I'm fine.

No? You sure?

Nothing like a warm whiskey

on a cold night.

I'm fine. Thank you.

So, what are you doing out here?

Oh, I live in Bakersfield now,

but I got a job

singing in Reno tomorrow.

Oh, that's exciting.

That's not exactly

the word I'd use

to describe a 6:00 shift

at the keno lounge.

But, um, it's a job.

Why are you staying here?

It's not a good job.

Don't pay nothing.

But if I stay in Reno proper,

I'd be in the hole.

Outskirts are cheaper.

Ah.

Why do it at all?

You know, I ask myself

the same question sometimes.

Mmm.

Singing's singing.

How about you?

How'd you end up

at the El Royale?

I was visiting my brother

in Oakland...

and, uh, I had to get off

the road before dark.

Well, my eyes,

they're no good at night.

And the Ritz-Carlton

was booked...

so here we are.

I'm guessing church pays about

as much as a keno lounge?

Mmm-hmm.

About that, yeah.

How about your brother?

You and him close?

Used to be.

Used to be, yeah.

Hmm.

Darlene...

can I confess something to you?

When I said that my memory

isn't quite what it was...

I think I might have been

understating things a bit.

For the last couple

of years, my recall...

well, I've been

having problems with it.

And, uh, I don't think

it's just my age.

I'm certain

it's not just my age.

I wake up some days...

and I can't remember who I am.

I have moments when I lose time.

When you saw me earlier today

in the parking lot...

actually,

I had completely forgotten

where I was, what I was doing.

Strangest feeling.

You know, you look around

and you're someone else...

and you don't know who that is.

Can I say something, Father?

Please.

I think you should see a doctor.

Yeah, I have, and he agrees

with my assessment

that it's not just age.

I'm sorry.

Oh, I'm not looking for pithy.

Pithy.

I'm just letting you know

in case I've seemed scattered...

I don't mean offense, ma'am.

No.

None taken.

It might be for the best.

There are parts of my life

that aren't worth remembering.

I have those, too.

I could use another.

You sure I can't tempt you?

No, I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Now, I may have

a spotty memory...

but I do recall it is a sin to

let an old priest drink alone.

All right. Just one.

Grand.

Perhaps I can even tempt you...

to grace me

with a song again later?

Don't push your luck, Father.

But if you happen

to be in Reno tomorrow,

I go on at 6:00.

Oh, I'd like that.

I'd like that.

But until then...

In the course of

retrieving our equipment...

I discovered another wiretap

along with several

other microphones.

Did you recognize the equipment?

I don't believe

they were ours, sir.

Additionally, I discovered

the hotel room

had a two-way mirror.

I also found

several other hotel rooms

with the same setup along

an observation corridor...

as well as a camera.

Did you find film?

No, I called in

as soon as I found the camera.

We must assume

our operation

has been compromised.

No one is to leave there,

Agent Broadbeck...

until you have any and all

existing surveillance

materials in your possession.

Understood, sir.

Sir, there is something else.

Upon investigating

the observation corridor...

I came across what appeared

to be a kidnapping in process.

A young woman, Caucasian,

appeared to be holding

another young woman hostage.

Also Caucasian.

The priority

is the surveillance materials,

Agent Broadbeck.

Peripheral matters

are not our concern.

Sir...

I am not in the habit

of repeating myself,

Agent Broadbeck...

but I will do so here to

ensure there is no confusion.

Hiya!

Hi.

I like your boots.

They're my daddy's.

Well, they don't look like

your daddy's no more.

Is that why you're so sad?

We don't get a lot of girls

down here in boots.

You must have come straight

from the station, huh?

It's all right, Boots.

You don't got to say nothin'.

I'll figure it out

in three guesses. Watch.

Tennessee?

Nah, that's too easy.

You ain't no Texas girl.

I know that much for sure.

West Virginia?

Nah, of course not.

Don't insult the girl,

Billy Lee.

Hey, I'm just messing with you.

I knew it the second I saw

these boot prints on the beach.

You're an Alabama girl.

See?

Told you I could do it in three.

Now, you gotta come

swimming with me.

That wasn't the deal.

Sure it was.

You knew the game

the second we started playing.

Come on, Boots. You got

no reason to cry no more.

You're in California now.

Rose?

Rosie.

Rose, hey. It's okay.

It's okay.

You're safe.

You're with me.

It's okay. It's okay.

Rosie, I can't untie you.

Stop it.

I expect you're all kinds of

mad at me,

and to some extent

you're right to be...

but we're gonna wait this out.

I'm gonna get you clear...

and then we can have it out.

We have to get as far away

from him as possible.

He's all kinds of bad.

It doesn't matter

what you did, Rose.

I'm gonna get you clear...

and then we'll just start over.

Ma'am?

Hello. I'm sorry

to disturb you.

What do you want?

Oh. Ma'am, yeah.

It's Laramie Sullivan.

We met in the hotel lobby

there earlier?

Would you mind opening the door?

No, I ain't gonna do that.

I certainly

understand that, yes.

It's good to be cautious.

We can talk through the door,

if you like.

What do you want?

Oh, well, ma'am,

the storm's just wreckin'

all kinds of hell on the hotel.

People are having complaints

about losing power and such...

and so the boy up front

had asked me to come around...

check on some of the women

and make sure they're safe.

I'm fine.

Well, that's good to hear.

That's good to hear.

Uh, listen,

if you wouldn't mind...

Fuck off.

I'm very sorry

to have spooked you, ma'am.

You have a safe night.

Hey, hey, hey.

Look at me!

It's gonna be okay.

It's okay.

Okay? It's okay.

You're safe now.

Let's get you untied.

Don't touch it.

You let it bleed.

Next time you wanna get smart,

look down at all that red

and think twice.

Where's Rosie?

Rosie, Rosie?

Don't you come out, okay?

No matter what you hear,

you stay put.

Where's Rosie?

No matter what you hear,

don't make a sound.

Okay, listen to me.

You don't have to be

afraid anymore.

Okay, good.

Rosie.

Get out of the way.

Listen.

Father Flynn.

Father?

Father Flynn.

Hey. Don't try

to move, Father.

I'm not your father.

Take it easy.

Take it real easy.

What the heck happened?

Oh, what's this song?

Father,

do you know where you are?

What happened?

That's what I'm asking you.

I just found you like this.

On the floor.

You got glass in your head.

Where...?

Was I alone?

Yeah. Why?

Was you with somebody?

No.

Kid, what's your name again?

Miles.

Miles. I need a drink.

Fix me a drink.

Oh, I'm not so sure

that's a good idea.

Just one drink to clear my head.

I'd get it myself,

but look what happens.

Miles, I fell down.

I'm old.

Shit happens.

Get the whiskey.

Father...

I was hopin'...

I was hopin'

I could ask for your help.

I've been gone...

gone from the church

for a while now.

But I was devout my whole life.

Baptized, confirmed...

never missed a Sunday

till I left Indiana.

I was born in Indiana.

Really? No kiddin'?

Whereabouts?

Okay.

Father, I was hopin', see...

I got things I need to confess.

Not now, kid.

Okay, Father. Right.

Of course.

It's just...

I'm penitent, Father.

I promise I'm penitent.

And I'm afraid for my soul.

I've done horrible things.

So? So has everybody.

You'll be fine.

You have a master key

to this place?

Did you lock yourself

out of your room?

Like I said, kid, I'm old.

I'm old.

Should be right here.

Father...

Where's the key?

Miles.

I told you...

this wasn't

a good place, Father.

You watched me?

What did you see?

I didn't see nothing!

I didn't, I didn't.

I only watch

who they tell me to watch.

Who's "they"?

Management.

I get a call...

"So-and-so is checking in,

set up the camera."

Hasn't happened much

since the election.

Mostly they just want,

you know, people screwin'.

What do you do with the film?

Develop it in

one of the back cabins,

mail it to management.

P.O. box in Pennsylvania.

Do you ever keep

any of the film?

Do you ever keep any of it?

Miles?

Last year.

The big celebration.

A man stayed with us.

He was a big deal,

you would know him.

Management wanted him.

They really wanted him.

But he was kind to me.

Nobody's ever kind to me...

so I told them there wasn't

no woman in his room.

So you kept it, the film?

Father, this ain't even

what I was trying to confess.

I've done so much worse

than this.

Who is that?

Oh, Jesus!

Oh.

It's okay.

You're safe.

You're with me.

We gotta help her.

We gotta help her, Father.

We gotta do something.

We gotta help her.

Miles, listen to me. Miles!

Listen to me.

The Lord wants you to tell me

where the film is.

He's all kinds of bad.

Father Flynn.

Ma'am? Hello?

I'm so sorry to bother you.

What do you want?

Ma'am, it's Laramie Sullivan.

Father Flynn!

Father Flynn, get down here!

That vacuum man

just busted down the door...

and he beat up that other

girl, and he's got a gun!

Get away from the window! Kid!

Help me.

Help.

What the fuck?

Jesus fucking Christ!

Don't push your luck, Father.

But if you happen to be

in Reno tomorrow,

I go on at 6:00.

Oh, I'd like that.

But until then...

Come on.

Come on! Come on!

Lord...

I need your guidance.

I'm in darkness,

and I need your light.

Rose, get out of the way.

Jesus fucking Christ!

Rosie...

you stay here.

Please don't kill...

Come on.

Keep your fucking hands

where I can see them.

What are you doing?

Hi, it's me.

I don't know.

I'm with Em.

She had me all tied up.

Think she shot a cop.

We're in a hotel.

I don't know.

You will?

Okay.

Let me look.

It says "El Royale."

Rosie!

Rosie, get in here.

I gotta go.

Okay. See you again soon.

Rosie!

Come on! Come on!

No, no, no!

Lord...

I just wanna talk.

Roll down the window.

I just wanna talk.

Can I get in?

I will shoot you in the face.

Believe me.

I believe you.

Well, we're in

a bit of a pickle here.

I'm sorry that I tried to drug

you back there in the lobby.

I wasn't trying to diddle you

or nothing like that...

I just needed

to break into your room.

And I didn't wanna hurt you.

Any more than need be, I mean.

No hard feelings about

bashing me in the head

is what I'm saying.

I'm pretty sure those girls

killed a cop of some sort.

They did.

You saw it?

Yeah.

That his gun?

Mmm-hmm.

This is not so good for us.

I'm not really a priest.

Yeah, no shit.

- Are they dead?

- Nah, they'll live.

Where'd you learn to drive?

They swerved.

Yeah, they tend to do that

when you're box sweepin' 'em.

"Stay on his fender," you

said. "I want him scared."

"Scared," not comatose.

Oh, here we go.

Are they dead?

Okay.

Where'd you learn to drive?

We've been over this!

Shut the fuck up!

Get the money!

They ain't dead.

Praise the Lord.

Well, can't leave this here.

Yeah.

Will it run?

Let's go with yes.

Think the new guy is bent

or just stupid?

Oh, I'm going with stupid,

but I can be persuaded.

What are we doing, Dock?

Get out of the car.

Get out of the car, Felix.

Here, here.

Take the kid...

ditch the Chevy at Rocklin.

Split up.

I'll lead 'em south,

I'll burn this

once I'm in the clear.

We all meet

at the El Royale, huh?

Felix.

You play it close

with these assholes. Huh?

You sure about this, Dock?

Oh, we got this, Felix,

piece of cake.

I got it under control.

All rise.

Donald O'Kelly...

on the charges of grand larceny

and conspiracy

to commit larceny...

I sentence you to 15 years

in the federal penitentiary.

What? Where?

Dock.

Where am I?

Hey, hey, Dock.

It's okay.

What? Where am I?

Same place you've been

the last ten fucking years.

You're gonna be okay, man.

Jesus, Dock.

We gotta do something

about this.

What do you think?

I think you should stop fighting

with the negroes, for starters.

Mesican... Mesican...

Mexicans.

Yeah, them this time.

And I didn't do nothing.

Hate to see what happens

when you do something.

Oh, well.

Tell me that boy down the hall

may not walk again.

He jumped me.

Mmm-hmm. Yeah, sure.

It's not about the fighting.

No.

It's not about the fightin'.

Tell me about your family.

Any history? Dementia?

Alzheimer's?

My mother.

Her father.

How long I got?

When you up for parole?

Six months.

You should make it till then.

Felix, my brother, and I...

we robbed an armored car,

outside of Stockton.

The job went bad.

I think we got burned

by our crew.

Felix was killed at the meetup,

which was here,

at the El Royale.

We had a plan

in case things went south.

Bury the money in the floor

of the room.

I couldn't remember

what room we said.

It was either four or five.

It's true what I told you

back there.

My mind, it isn't what it was.

I guessed wrong.

So, I think

there's a bunch of money

buried in your room, Darlene...

and I need your help to get it.

You expect me

to believe all that?

Well, it's the truth.

It's the truth,

so there is that.

But, no, I get it.

How did you know I wasn't

on the up and up

in the first place?

You spend your life

getting shook,

you learn how to spot a shaker.

Is that from a song?

No.

If you'd have been wrong...

you'd have bashed a priest

in the face for no reason.

I would've found a way

to forgive myself.

Yeah, I guess I'd have done

the same thing

in your situation.

And now?

What would you do

if you were me?

Well, my first impulse would be

to shoot the old man

in the face...

and clear out of Dodge.

You're dead right.

Oh, but I would

think that through.

You know,

the cars aren't working.

The storm's not lettin' up.

People are gonna come looking

for that dead cop soon enough...

and I don't want to be

the black woman

in the woods at night

with a gun when they do.

So then, I'd start thinking

about my other options.

I suppose

I could go back in there...

take my chances with those kids.

I promise you

I'm not thinking that.

Which leads me to option three.

Maybe I hear the old man out,

maybe he's telling the truth.

Maybe there really is money

buried in my room.

Maybe the old man...

he doesn't have

a lot of time left.

He's fine with 50% of whatever

we find in that floor.

If I'm wrong, I can still

shoot him later, huh?

But if I'm right...

I might just survive tonight.

If I'm right...

I can walk out of here

with enough money

to change my life forever.

How much money

are we talking exactly?

So...

What is this?

Some kind of pervert hotel?

Hey.

No.

Yes...

I don't know.

You just shot me in the face.

Well, now, let's be clear.

I shot another man

who had it comin'...

and you just happened to be

back there being creepy...

and you caught a face full of

buckshot for your trouble.

Wait, hold still a sec.

You got glass in your head.

How does it look?

To be honest, I don't remember

what you looked like

before this.

But I think

you should make peace

with the fact

that things have changed.

Are you gonna kill me?

How can I not

after what you've seen?

I seen worse.

And I ain't said a thing.

You've seen worse than a man

getting sawn in half

with a shotgun?

I seen all sorts of bad.

I seen, um...

a senator beat up

a whore so bad...

she had to shove

her own stockings

back where her teeth

used to be...

just to keep from bleeding out

through the mouth.

I saw...

a junkie paint "Sorry"

on the wall in his own filth.

Like that'd make it easier

when I cleaned all that shit

off his cold body.

I saw a man

lay with a wolf once.

Guy drags

a full-grown feral wolf

on a choke chain

into his room...

ties it up to the bed...

and takes off all his clothes...

climbs into bed beside it,

and holds the thing.

All night.

It wasn't sexual...

but it wasn't

not sexual, either.

Guy just laid there crying,

sayin', "Help me..."

while he held that wolf.

All night.

I never told nobody

about none of that.

Oh...

I ain't so sure

you should've told me that.

Uh...

You don't have to kill me.

What could I even say

about you, anyway?

"Some girls shot some guy

who was gonna shoot them"?

I don't even know your names.

I'm Rose.

Don't say...

Rose Summerspring.

Oh.

That's my sister, Emily.

What's your name?

Miles.

Miles Miller.

Well, it's nice

to meet you, Miles.

Where are the others?

Rose?

That's your name, right?

Please, Rose.

Please don't kill me.

It ain't entirely up to me.

You can talk to her.

She's your sister,

she'll listen to you.

It ain't up to her either.

Well, who's it up to?

Where's the priest?

Miles...

I don't know.

But you do know something,

don't you?

Is this yours?

Do you want it?

Where's the priest?

I don't know.

I promise.

I wanna find him too.

Please.

I'll do whatever you want.

Just let me talk to the priest

when you find him.

Just let me talk to him

before you kill me.

I've been trying to tell him

that we might not

have to kill him.

But it's not up to us.

Who's it up to, Rose?

Rose, what did you do?

Howdy.

So how long you lookin'

to stay with us?

However long

my sister stays, I suppose.

No, you don't get

to be a part of the family

just 'cause you're kin.

Why do you wanna be here?

Rosie says

you treat her pretty nice.

I appreciate that.

What does God mean to you?

What does God mean

to all of you?

Is He some being in the sky?

Do you pray to Him at night?

Do you ask Him

to watch over you?

Is He here with us now?

Or maybe there is no God, huh?

Maybe it's all lies.

Listen, I ain't saying

I got it all figured out.

I'm not.

But I do see the game.

They define right and wrong,

and then they make you choose.

And that's how it all starts,

with a simple choice...

which side are you on?

Up, down?

Good, evil? Right, wrong?

God or no God?

It's simple, just pick.

Boots. Quick. Choose.

Are you good or are you bad?

I'm neither.

Now, she's cheating

'cause she knows

what answer I'm looking for.

Boots, I'm giving

a whole speech here

in front of people.

Don't mess it up for me.

They'll get you to pick.

Watch.

I'll do it right now.

I'll do it right now

with my star pupil.

Boots, why don't you

come up here

and help me out for a sec?

And, what about...

Millie, why don't you

come join us, too.

Come on.

We're gonna have ourselves

a tussle tonight.

It's been a while since

we've had a tussle, right?

Oh, but wait a second.

Rosie don't wanna tussle.

She's smart enough to know

not to play the game, right?

But this is how I get her.

I dangle something

she really wants.

You two are gonna have

a proper tussle tonight...

and the winner...

Well, the winner

gets to sleep with me

in the big house tonight.

How'd that be?

See?

Now we got skin in the game,

as they say.

So what do you think, Boots?

You wanna play?

Yes.

So, pick a side.

Do you wanna be Right

or do you wanna be Wrong?

I wanna be Right.

She wants to be Right.

Well, Millie,

I guess that makes you Wrong.

Let's have ourselves

an allegory.

All right. Have at it.

Whoa. Easy, Emily.

She's a big girl.

She can take care of herself.

Now, here's the important part.

While they're fighting,

what am I doing, huh?

'Cause I sure as hell ain't

fighting. What am I doing?

I'm watching them.

I'm getting off on it.

Then I'm coming over here...

and I'm takin' what's theirs.

And they didn't even notice...

'cause they're too busy

playing my game.

All right, all right.

Rosie, Rosie.

Come on.

Hey, okay, okay.

All right, all right.

Tussle's over, okay?

Okay, tussle's over.

Rosie, Rosie.

Hey, tussle's over.

Love each other.

All right, all right.

You did good.

Both did good. Okay.

So, what have we learned, huh?

Maybe we won't play

their games no more.

Maybe we won't listen

to their lies.

Maybe the only truth

in this world is right here.

And here.

And here...

and here, and here...

and here. Just us.

And maybe for tonight...

we get to be our own Gods.

Father Flynn.

Bless me, Father,

for I have sinned.

Please, Father...

Kid, if you don't shut up,

I'm gonna tie your mouth shut.

Father, please, forgive me

for the sins of my life.

Please, Father...

No, no, no.

Hmm.

So, I'm guessing

you're Father Flynn.

Which makes the dead guy

Laramie Seymour Sullivan.

And you, miss,

must be Darlene Sweet. Hmm?

Well, I suppose

you could be Fuck You...

but, uh, something tells me

that's my Emily here.

Any other people in the hotel?

Hmm?

Wade, Annabell...

stand behind these four,

and if they try

to get out of those seats...

you just shoot 'em

in the back of the head.

Flicker, Roman, come here.

Go to room seven,

get the dead guy...

and put all of his stuff

and the body

in the trunk of the car.

Then go room to room,

see if you can find

anybody else.

If you can, you bring 'em here.

What about them?

Well, first I got some questions

that need answering.

But leave some room

in the trunk.

Hiya, Em.

Billy Lee.

You know, uh...

you left without saying goodbye.

What'd you think,

I wouldn't take offense? Hmm?

Naw, I figured you would.

But I'd be ready when you did.

You don't look ready.

You caught me on a bad night.

Ain't that the luck, huh?

Did you tell 'em

what she did? Hmm?

Did you tell them what she did?

What'd I do?

Oh, right.

Sorry about all that.

She's sorry.

It's all right, Boots.

We'll deal with that

when we get back to California.

We got us a Nevada problem now.

So, uh, Miles...

What is this?

Some sort of pervert hotel?

Kid can't answer you.

You tied his mouth shut.

Well, why don't I

ask you then? Huh?

Why don't I ask the priest

who was walking

out of the hotel

with a bag full of money?

All right.

Yeah. I think it's some

sort of pervert hotel.

Huh.

The kid told me, he films

people doing whatnot...

and sends it to his bosses.

Who are his bosses?

People who own

the hotel. I don't know.

Does it really matter?

Maybe.

And what, he just offered

this up to you, did he? Hmm?

I think he was

trying to confess.

Oh.

I think it's been

weighing on him.

I think he's trying

to confess right now...

because he knows how

this is gonna go...

and he fears for his soul.

Hey, buddy. Uh...

Listen, if you're so worried

about your soul...

maybe you shouldn't

have been doing

all this bad shit

in the first place.

Is that who I think it is?

I wanna see.

Now, wait a second.

What's a man of God

like yourself

doing with this in his coat?

It's just people fuckin'.

No. You take

a closer look, Rose.

Wait, I know him.

Uh-huh.

He's dead.

That he is.

All right.

Where's the money come from?

Well, that money...

I ain't

asking you right now, Father.

Ms. Darlene Sweet, where's

the money come from, hmm?

It's mine.

It's yours?

Really?

Where's a girl like you

get all this kind of money

from, huh?

I earned it.

Singing.

Well, you must be

one hell of a singer then.

I am.

All right, your turn.

Where's the money from? Hmm?

She's telling you the truth.

That's her money,

she earned it singing.

Yeah, and you're

a man of the cloth, huh?

I am.

You know, I forgot to mention...

I hate priests.

You wanna change your story?

Nope.

Alrighty then.

Boots, why don't you

find something

to listen to

on that there jukebox?

It's too quiet in here,

don't you think? Huh?

Gives me the willies.

Who is this?

Um...

It's Deep Purple, I think.

Uh...

It's not for me.

Now, I want you two to pay

real close attention

to what happens next, okay?

And keep it right up there

in the front of your minds...

when I'm asking questions

looking for

truthful answers, okay?

All right.

Emily.

Pick a color.

Red or black?

No.

No?

Well, that's just

not hardly nice.

I'm offering you

a chance here, right?

On account of the fact that

we're practically family,

all right?

And that's downright

charitable of me, considering...

Boots, you hearing

what your sister's doing?

Em, if Billy Lee

is offering you a chance,

I think you should take it.

Did you think you could

just take what's mine,

and I wouldn't come a-huntin'?

She ain't yours.

Rosie, are you mine?

Of course.

There was no violence till you.

Yeah, maybe.

Maybe not.

But it's there now, isn't it?

Pick a color, Em.

I ain't asking again.

Pick a color.

Red.

I guess that makes you

black, altar boy.

What? No, no, no.

Come here. You got some

prayers, you can say 'em now.

Forgive me, Father,

for I have sinned.

I have done so much worse

than you know.

Kid...

Father Flynn,

I have sinned and I repent.

Forgive me, Father.

I have sinned and I...

Father Flynn, please!

Do you want to tell him

or you want me to do it?

I have sinned and I repent!

Miles...

Please!

Forgive me, Father!

He's not a fucking priest, kid!

Well, it looks like the Lord

hasn't forsaken you yet.

No!

Now then,

who wants to play next?

Ah, whoa, Wade, Annabell...

keep a close eye there.

See, everyone's liable to get

a little more squirrelly

now they know the stakes.

You two gonna be

more forthcoming?

Sure.

Could I have

some of that whiskey?

Yeah, sure. Why not?

Boots, can you pour the padre

a glass, please?

I can't do it anymore.

I can't...

Hey, kid...

if you don't shut the fuck up,

I'm gonna make you

play the game again.

So, let's try this again.

Where's the money from?

I stole it...

about a decade ago.

I hid it here, did some time...

got out a few days ago...

came back tonight

to retrieve it.

Why you dressed up

like a priest, then?

Didn't want too many questions.

People tend to look

the other way

when you're wearin' a collar.

And you?

Um...

I'm just a singer.

The money happened

to be hidden in my room.

He said he would split it...

if I could help him get it back.

Of course he did.

Yeah, yeah.

'Cause that ain't

even the real score,

is it, padre, huh?

'Cause you found this.

I bet you he didn't even

tell you about this, did he?

Huh? Don't you even

wanna see who's in it?

No.

It doesn't matter.

Oh, no. Then, darlin',

you ain't understanding

what's on this film.

Let me guess.

Um...

It's some man...

who talks...

a lot.

He talks so much

that he thinks

he believes in something.

And really just...

wants to fuck

who he wants to fuck.

I've seen it enough.

I'm not even mad

about it anymore.

I'm just...

tired.

I'm just bored.

Of men like you.

You think I don't see you

for who you really are?

A fragile little man.

Preying on the weak and lost.

Yeah, well, if I...

I've heard it.

And I don't care.

I'd rather sit here

and listen to the rain.

You go right ahead.

Why didn't you just leave

when you had the film?

It's worth way more

than some bag of money.

I did time for that money.

My brother, he died for

that money. That money's mine.

That money's ours.

Why is that film

worth so much anyway?

Guy's dead. Who cares?

Well, Boots...

sometimes the memory of a man

matters more

than the man himself.

Ain't that right, padre?

Yeah, if you say so.

Who's gonna come

looking for their money?

Nobody.

Somebody's always

looking for money!

No, they're all gone.

Except me.

And who are you exactly?

Let's just say

I wanna check this story out.

What's your real name, Father?

It's, uh...

Did I tell you my real name?

You never did. No.

Oh, really?

Now you wanna

Start playing games again?

He can't remember.

His mind's not all there.

That's what he told you?

He did.

And you believe anything

this old crook says?

I believe that much. Yeah.

All right, all right.

Let's see if we can't jog

his memory, huh, Darlene?

Pick a color.

Now it's quiet again.

I don't like it.

No, I don't like it either.

Hey, ain't you

supposed to be a singer? Huh?

Why don't you sing

something for us, Darlene.

No, thank you.

Hell, I'll tell you what.

If you sing something for us

and if you're as good

as you say you are...

I won't make you play the game.

Don't do it.

He's gonna do

what he's gonna do,

but he don't deserve

to hear you sing.

Suit your fucking selves!

Wait...

I've heard better.

No! You'll hit Billy Lee!

No, I can't do it.

I can't do it no more.

- I can't. I can't do it.

- Miles.

I can't kill no more people.

Miles!

Help us.

I can't kill no more people.

How many people

have you killed, Miles?

123.

My heavens, Ginger!

Look what your boy can do.

Miller! Why the fuck

have you stopped shooting?

Miles.

I can't do it.

I can't kill no more people.

Miles...

It's all right.

You don't have to kill

any more people.

Motherfucker!

Let's see

if you can't remember this.

Easy there, altar boy...

Take the gun.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

No!

Help him.

I can't.

No, God. No, God, please.

Help him.

Please, God.

I don't wanna...

Confess.

My son, confess.

You're not a...

You're not a priest.

Of course I am.

Miles Miller, my name

is Father Daniel Flynn...

and I'm here to absolve

you of your sins.

Bless me, Father,

for I have sinned.

Yes.

I've sinned.

I've sinned more times

than I can count.

I've killed.

I've killed so many people.

I'm so sorry, Father.

It's all right.

No, it's not.

I did so much bad.

I lied. I stole.

I hurt people.

I did it all even though

I know it was wrong.

I'm so sorry, Father.

Do you seek absolution

for your sins?

Yes, I do.

Do you give yourself

to the mercy of the Lord?

Yes.

Will you give to Him the time

that you have left?

I'm too late.

No.

It's never too late.

Yes. I will try.

I'll try to be better.

I'll try to be a better man.

I repent.

Father Flynn, I repent.

You are forgiven.

Miles Miller.

In the name of the Father,

the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

you are forgiven.

Good luck, everyone.

And 47.

Now, we have got a special

treat for you tonight.

Coming to you all the way

from beautiful

Los Angeles, California...

Ladies and gentlemen,

let's give a warm Reno welcome

to Darlene Sweet.

Thank y'all for coming

to listen to me tonight.

It means a lot to me.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

That's very kind of you.

Thank you.

God, come on in. There's

enough room for everyone.

Come on in.

Now, if it's

all right with you...

we'd like to do

a few more for you now.

Captioned by erfan notion

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) - full transcript