The Guest

2014 "Be careful who you let in"
6.7| 1h40m| R| en
Details

A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.

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Reviews

AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks
FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.
Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.
Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Thomas Drufke The Guest is a film without a time period. And I mean that because they managed to make a present day film that feels like it could have taken place at any point in the last 50 years. It gives off an 80's vibe but also a post vietnam/Taxi Driver-esque feeling that is unsettling to say the least. Perhaps even more unsettling is Dan Stevens' performance as "David", a war veteran who returns to the family home of his supposed friend who died along with him overseas. What continues as the film dives deeper into David's psyche, is thrilling and surprising. The mysterious events that unfold as a result of his appearance bring a fascinating wrinkle into his story. However, I don't think the pay-off in the third act nearly lived up to all that was presented in the first hour. Sometimes mysteries are better left unsaid and I don't believe the choice they made about his motivations were nearly as interesting as it was initially presented. It tries to balance the line of revealing too much or not revealing enough, and I'm honestly not sure which I would have preferred more. But I guess that's just how some of these things go. Even still, the performances are terrific, the score/soundtrack is brilliant, and the direction is undoubtedly inspired.7.7/10
Coventry Although now given the opportunity to helm a much more mainstream and better financed thriller, it's abundantly clear that director Adam Wingard remains a true horror fanatic at heart. I wasn't necessarily the biggest fan of projects like "V/H/S" or "You're Next", but at least they were authentically raw and relentlessly violent horror accomplishments. "The Guest" is also brutish and bloody, but with a more commercial and socially relevant plot (the loyalty between, and the difficult reintegration of, war veterans) and a much slower tension building. But you don't fool us, Mr. Wingard, because particularly the revelation of the truth behind David's malicious behavior, and the entire climax set in a school hall decorated for Halloween, unmistakably reveal that you still prefer horror. The basic story is very identifiable for many people/families, but also original and dramatic enough to attract the attention of wide audiences. A mysterious but seemingly friendly and sincere soldier shows up at the doorstep of the Peterson family and claims he fought alongside their beloved son and brother Caleb who unfortunately got killed in action in Iraq. The grieving parents unconditionally welcome David into their home, the much younger brother immediately idolizes him and only the teenage daughter Anna is somewhat skeptical and doubtful about his real intentions. David turns out to be a dangerous but very manipulative and intelligent psychopath, while Anna is quickly considered as insensitive for suspecting him. "The Guest" unfolds like a typical early 90s thriller, because back then there were numerous of these false identity/charming intruder flicks ("The Good Son", "The Stepfather", "Raising Cain", "Bad Influence", ...) and it felt rather refreshing to watch! The build-up perhaps takes slightly too long and contains too many clichéd situations, but the extreme change in tone and pace comes very abrupt and forceful. The last 15-20 minutes are also incredibly vile, with a few shocking deaths and ice-cold executions. The acting performances are more than adequate, with solidly convincing roles for Dan Stevens and Maika Monroe. The latter suddenly became a popular horror siren thanks to her part in the unexpected cult hit "It Follows".
greaseluvr I've learned that you can't trust the reviews that give an overly lengthy description that includes the names of the writers, directors, and the actors. You also can't trust those who give a synopsis instead of a review...Those people are so obviously paid to write a review for a movie. This is true review from someone who likes to watch movies for nothing other that the entertainment factor.... and I can tell you this movie absolutely sucked! There is no way this movie was made in 2014 as it has a complete 80's vibe and not it a good way. The music was boring and uneventful and the acting was horrible and cheesy. If it wasn't for the gratuitous nudity in one scene, this would only be worthy of a Lifetime movie...and that is giving it too much credit.
anirudhlucky The movie has some good actions scenes but has many plot issues, watch only if you have some time to kill and you dont look for logics