In 2018, Drew Goddard’s neo-noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale made a lasting impression with its moody atmosphere, intricate storytelling, and an ensemble cast that featured an array of talented actors. Set against the backdrop of a dilapidated hotel straddling the California-Nevada border, the film is a blend of suspense, mystery, and dark comedy. One of the standout performances came from Dakota Johnson, who took on the role of Emily, a complex and enigmatic character whose journey drives much of the film’s tension and intrigue.

In a behind-the-scenes interview with ScreenSlam, Johnson reflected on her experience bringing Emily to life, discussing her character’s hidden motives, the challenges she faced during filming, and the creative process that allowed her to contribute to one of the most distinctive films of her career. This article dives deep into Johnson’s performance, the film’s unique atmosphere, and the collaboration behind the scenes that made Bad Times at the El Royale a standout feature in 2018.

The Story and Atmosphere of Bad Times at the El Royale

Set in 1969, Bad Times at the El Royale is a neo-noir thriller that weaves together multiple storylines, each centered around a mysterious guest staying at the rundown El Royale hotel. The hotel, which straddles the California-Nevada border, is a character in itself, with its faded grandeur and dark corners, providing a perfect backdrop for the film’s suspenseful and sometimes surreal narrative.

The film’s atmosphere is a masterful blend of the eerie and the nostalgic. The setting is rich with period-specific details, from the eclectic decor of the hotel to the soundtrack of the time. Goddard, known for his work on The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods, infuses Bad Times at the El Royale with a sense of looming dread, even as the film is visually vibrant and colorful. The hotel itself is steeped in secrets, serving as the perfect microcosm for the characters who pass through it, each hiding their own motives and desires.

For Dakota Johnson’s character, Emily, the hotel becomes a key setting for her internal journey. The film is as much about the external suspense—who will live, who will die—as it is about each character’s quest for redemption, identity, and closure. Emily’s story is deeply tied to these themes, and Johnson’s nuanced portrayal brings depth to a character who is more than she initially appears.

Dakota Johnson’s Role in the Film: A Complex Character

Emily, the character played by Dakota Johnson, is a woman of mystery. When she arrives at the El Royale, she appears to be just another guest, but as the film progresses, it becomes clear that she is hiding something far darker and more complicated. Emily’s character is multi-dimensional, and Johnson’s portrayal reveals layers of vulnerability, strength, and moral ambiguity that make her one of the most intriguing figures in the film.

In the interview with ScreenSlam, Johnson explained how Emily is driven by a desperate need to escape her past, which is riddled with guilt and regret. Her character’s journey is not just about the external mystery of what happened to her, but also about her internal struggles with forgiveness and redemption. Emily is a woman in flux, torn between two versions of herself: the person she once was and the person she hopes to become.

As the story unfolds, Emily’s actions become increasingly unpredictable, and Johnson plays her with a sense of controlled chaos. She is a woman constantly at war with herself, and Johnson’s performance captures the complexity of this inner conflict. Emily’s decisions, both good and bad, ultimately propel the narrative forward, and her interactions with other characters—especially those involving her own dark secrets—serve as a key driving force in the plot.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Preparation and Character Exploration

In preparing for the role of Emily, Dakota Johnson went beyond simply memorizing lines and rehearsing scenes. The character of Emily required Johnson to immerse herself deeply into the persona of a woman who is both a victim of her circumstances and a master manipulator of those around her. Johnson shared in her interview that she spent time understanding the emotional nuances of her character, delving into the psychological complexity that underpinned Emily’s actions.

Johnson’s process involved research into the 1960s, both in terms of the period’s cultural context and the moral dilemmas people faced during that time. The 1960s were a turbulent era in American history, marked by social upheaval, shifting political landscapes, and cultural revolutions. Emily, in her own way, is a reflection of the chaos of the times—caught between an idealized past and a tumultuous future.

In addition to her personal research, Johnson emphasized the importance of rehearsals and collaboration with her fellow cast members. Bad Times at the El Royale features an ensemble cast, including Jeff Bridges, Chris Hemsworth, and Jeff Bridges, all of whom brought their own unique energy to the project. Johnson mentioned how working alongside such seasoned actors allowed her to learn and grow, creating a shared dynamic that enhanced the film’s performances.

Creative Process and Director Collaboration

The collaboration between Dakota Johnson and director Drew Goddard was pivotal in bringing Emily’s character to life. Johnson spoke highly of Goddard’s vision for the film, praising his ability to balance the tension of the thriller with moments of humor and humanity. The way Goddard shaped the film’s genre-blending narrative—mixing elements of thriller, mystery, and period drama—was something that Johnson found both exciting and challenging.

Johnson described the process of working with Goddard as one of mutual respect and creative freedom. Goddard encouraged her to push boundaries with Emily, allowing her to experiment with the character’s emotions and motivations. The director’s approach was collaborative, always seeking to find the most authentic way to portray the internal conflict that drove Emily’s decisions. This partnership was key in allowing Johnson to bring her character’s full range to the screen.

The film’s unique blend of genres also posed an interesting challenge for Johnson. At times, the film veers into suspenseful thriller territory, and at other moments, it explores deeper, more philosophical themes. Johnson found the film’s tonal shifts both invigorating and difficult, but she relished the opportunity to play a character who could operate within such a complex framework.

Memorable Moments and Challenges

In the interview with ScreenSlam, Dakota Johnson shared some of the most memorable moments from the set of Bad Times at the El Royale. One of the standout scenes that she recalled was the emotionally charged confrontation between Emily and her fellow characters. This moment, which explores the complexities of Emily’s past, was one of the most challenging for Johnson to film, as it required her to tap into deep emotional reserves.

Johnson also reflected on the film’s intricate set design, particularly the El Royale hotel itself. The hotel’s maze-like hallways, dark corners, and vintage decor made for an immersive filming experience. Johnson noted that the hotel, with its sense of decay and hidden rooms, mirrored Emily’s own internal world—a place of secrecy, lies, and unresolved tension. The hotel itself became a character in the film, and Johnson’s reflections on how the setting influenced her performance were an insightful glimpse into the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

The Film’s Reception and Dakota Johnson’s Performance

When Bad Times at the El Royale was released, it received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the film’s visual style, direction, and the performances of the cast. Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Emily was singled out for its complexity and nuance. Critics noted how Johnson brought emotional depth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional in the hands of a lesser actor.

For Johnson, Bad Times at the El Royale marked a significant milestone in her career. Known previously for her role in the Fifty Shades series, Johnson had already shown her versatility, but Bad Times at the El Royale gave her the opportunity to demonstrate her range in a much darker, more nuanced role. The film showcased her ability to handle complex emotional beats, shifting between vulnerability and strength, and left audiences eager to see where her career would go next.

In many ways, Bad Times at the El Royale is a standout film in Dakota Johnson’s career. It allowed her to step into a role that was both challenging and rewarding, giving her the opportunity to work alongside some of the best actors in Hollywood. Johnson’s performance, paired with the film’s unique narrative and atmosphere, helped elevate the movie into something truly special.

Conclusion: A Standout Performance in a Unique Film

Dakota Johnson’s performance in Bad Times at the El Royale is a testament to her growth as an actress. She took on a role that required emotional depth, complexity, and a willingness to embrace both the light and dark sides of her character. Through her collaboration with Drew Goddard and the ensemble cast, Johnson brought Emily to life in a way that made her one of the most memorable characters in the film.

As Bad Times at the El Royale continues to be appreciated by fans and critics alike, Dakota Johnson’s performance remains a standout. It’s clear that Johnson’s talent and dedication to her craft were key to the film’s success. As she continues to take on diverse roles in her career, her portrayal of Emily will undoubtedly remain a defining moment in her journey as an actress