When Bingo Turns into a Hellish Nightmare
Had this been the first time a bingo hall was used in a movie for something other than the simple pleasure of winning prizes by matching spaces on a card, it might have been more impressive. Nevertheless, Bingo Hell offers a unique kind of crazy that’s entertaining to watch, as it introduces an idea that many might not fully comprehend. Bingo is a game enjoyed by many for its easy pace and low stakes, especially when prizes are involved. However, the prizes in this movie are the kind that people generally don’t want but will accept out of desperation and ignorance.
Hell coming to the bingo parlor doesn’t quite have the same ring as the well-known Charlie Daniels Band track, but the concept is intriguing enough to capture the attention of those who find themselves pitted against the antagonist in this film.
A Glimpse into the Lives of Oak Springs Residents
The movie starts with a man who appears to be in a state of delirium, seemingly having made a deal that will get him out of his current predicament. However, his joy quickly turns into panic and desperation as he stuffs his mouth with something repulsive and dies shortly after. If the audience was confused at this point, they might wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into.
Next, we meet Lupita, an elderly woman who, despite her age, is determined to walk around her Oak Springs neighborhood every day. She doesn’t like everything she sees, as businesses are closing, people are moving away, and hipsters are moving in – a development Lupita clearly disapproves of. Lupita and her friends Dolores and Yolanda frequent the local bingo hall, where the prizes are small but meaningful. It becomes apparent that Oak Springs is mostly populated by old-timers who have stayed because it’s their home and they have nothing else to do.
The Mysterious Mr. Big and His Sinister Game
When a new owner, the enigmatic Mr. Big, takes over the bingo hall and starts advertising a new game, Lupita is furious. Bingo has always been her and Dolores’ thing, and she can’t understand why the owner would sell. Lupita attends the game but doesn’t play, and she and Dolores witness Raquel, the mother of Dolores’ grandson, win a $10,000 prize. Raquel then skips town with her winnings, leaving her teenage son in Dolores’ care. It’s later revealed that Mr. Big’s ‘prize’ is an illusion, and he seems to be a collector of sorts.
As the story unfolds, Lupita discovers the previous owner of the hall dead and starts receiving visions from Mr. Big, convincing her that she needs to take action. The crux of the movie is that Mr. Big appears as a manic, grinning savior, offering the chance to win big cash prizes. However, in the end, the winners are actually buying a temporary solution to their problems that ultimately leads to a horrific fate they didn’t anticipate. Greed becomes their downfall, as Mr. Big might be a soul collector who lures people in with the promise of riches that can satisfy their every desire. Eventually, he enchants everyone in Oak Springs, except for Lupita and a few others who don’t play the game.
A Fun, Horrific Ride with a Simple Message
Bingo Hell is a quick bit of flash that might be more enjoyable as a short story than a feature film, as the villain is somewhat over the top, but not so much that he’s unconvincing. Overall, this movie is a pleasant departure from more serious and thought-provoking stories. The lessons within the story are easy to dissect, as Lupita’s determination to stay in her neighborhood convinces her friends to do the same. Meanwhile, the greed that lies within everyone is quickly coupled with the frustration they’ve felt over the years due to their current predicament.
In conclusion, Bingo Hell offers a good dose of horrific fun that occasionally turns bloody but not to the point of being stomach-churning. It’s an entertaining watch for those who enjoy a unique twist on a seemingly innocent pastime.
Follow Us
