The Guest
Firstly, let me just start out this review by predicting a couple of things…
1. The Guest will achieve Cult status when word gets around about it.
2. Actor Dan Stevens will be a superstar in the years to come.
The Guest is the story of mysterious soldier David (Dan Stevens) who soon after being discharged from the military, visits the family home of his deceased military squad mate Caleb. Unbeknownst to the family, not is all as it seems with David and here is where all the fun starts.
You can definitely see and feel the old Terminator and Halloweenesque stylings that director Adam Wingard (You’re Next/V.H.S.) encompasses in the film (from the overall look and and feel of the set design to the haunting musical score.) It’s also refreshing to see a film where you as the viewer struggle with rooting for or against the main character. Trust me, the struggle is real here.
Another great thing about this film is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are plenty of funny moments and that’s not usually easily incorporated into a psychological thriller. In fact, I constantly kept asking myself if it was acceptable to laugh or not during several pivotal scenes. It’s a well done mix of horror, thriller, and comedy. Wingard did this on purpose and it works beautifully. Oh, and how can you not like an homage to Stevie B!
The acting is well done all around, and as I mentioned before, this role should propel the career of Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) to new heights in this country. (Not to mention all the ladies love him.)
All in all, I found The Guest very enjoyable and am sure many of you will too. A fun 8 out 10 Stars!
