Tags
2010's, Adam Wingard, Brendan Meyer, Dan Stevens, Lance Reddick, Leland Orser, Maika Monroe, Sheila Kelley, The Guest, Thriller
Film Title
The Guest
Director
Adam Wingard
Starring
- Dan Stevens as David
- Maika Monroe as Anna Peterson
- Brendan Meyer as Luke Peterson
- Sheila Kelley as Laura Peterson
- Leland Orser as Spencer Peterson
- Lance Reddick as Major Richard Carver
A thrilling throwback to 80’s thrillers with a horror ambience, The Guest is a stylishly constructed, enjoyable and delightfully over the top movie with a killer soundtrack to accompany it.
The Peterson family; mother and father Laura and Spencer and their two children Anna and Luke are mourning the death of the other son Caleb, who died while serving with the army in Afghanistan. A knock at the door reveals David, who claims to have been a friend of Caleb’s. He explains to the Peterson’s that Caleb told him before his death to keep a close eye on them and this further endears him to the family. David is amiable and very polite towards the family, which leads to Laura asking the charming young man to stay. The young soldier integrates himself into their life and seems to have a positive and helpful influence on them. He helps the shy Luke, who is being bullied at school, to stand up for himself against his tormentors and himself deals out a violent beating on them to really make a point. He also tries to help Anna’s friends out when they need booze for a party without getting busted. To everyone else, David is a breath of fresh air and just an all round likable guy. The only person who he doesn’t manage to charm is Anna, who feels that there is something very suspicious about this stranger in her house. She can’t quite put her finger on it, but she knows that something is not right about the seemingly perfect guest. It seems that she may have every right to be worried for herself and her family as a spate of bodies begins to pile up around town in gradually grisly fashion. And with a mysterious Major snooping around and knowing more than he’s letting on, it sets up for a showdown as David gradually begins to show a sinister side. But is it too late for the family to realise that David is capable of a lot of danger before death comes knocking? Because it’s only little time before they wished they had never opened the door to the handsome stranger in the first place.
Right from the start, Adam Wingard puts his own stamp on the movie, with a neon-drenched style and allusions to the 80’s. He just feels so in charge of this film and his command over the events is exemplary. Wingard really likes to play with the genres in this film and manages to incorporate thriller, killer action and creepy horror. And the ounces of style he gives the movie(he was the editor as well as director) adds up to an enjoyably dark thriller with striking visuals. The highlights are an electrifying bar fight and a tense chase through the confines of a school that has been designed for Halloween. A word of warning to those who are fans thrillers with realism, The Guest isn’t the most subtle film out there. It’s boldly done with over the top, bombastic elements that actually add more to the film and make it more enjoyable. Depending on how you like your thrillers done, The Guest may divide you. But I was a huge fan of this film and the shifts in style and tone it had. And no discussion of The Guest would be complete without giving mention to the soundtrack. With an ominous synth coursing through the veins, the soundtrack to The Guest becomes almost a character due to its moody sound and sense of troubling atmosphere it conjures up.
Dan Stevens is a magnetic screen presence in this movie. Exuding charisma, smooth physicality and ice-cold steel, he is eye-catching to say the least. We may know from the beginning that there isn’t something right with David, but thanks to Stevens, there is still an aura of enigma surrounding him as carnage unfolds. There are even times when we slightly root for David, even though we know that he brings a whole lot of fatal trouble to those around him. One thing is for certain, it’s an effectively done change of his pace from his role in Downton Abbey. Maika Monroe; delightfully spiky and full of sassy attitude, portrays Anna, who is the only person who suspects that her new house guest is about to wreak havoc on their lives. Monroe balances a sarcastic personality with a genuine sense of concern for those close to her and she sells it all the way. Then we have Brendan Meyer playing the timid son who respects David and doesn’t for a minute see that there is something very wrong with him. Sheila Kelley and Leland Orser have a normalcy to them that highlights the way that they are clueless to the truth surrounding David and makes his infiltration all the more effective and shocking. These are decent people, grieving for their lost son, whose kindness is taken advantage of as David leads them on a merry dance of deceit. Lance Reddick adds deep-voiced mystery to his role as a shady Major, who has some sort
Bursting with action, thrills and oodles of stylish visuals, The Guest is one hell of a blast if ever there was one and boldly bad ass to boot.
emmakwall said:
Great review as ever Vin! I’m glad you enjoy this and I do agree it divides some people.
I thought the ending (specifically, the truth about David) was a little hackneyed but I just enjoy watching the film SO much. I love the music and the atmosphere, I love the ridiculous over-the-top-ness! I love Dan Stevens’ performance. His accent.
It’s hard to describe but this is certainly one of my top 10 movies 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It just screams enjoyable. The atmosphere and ambience drew me in. And that kick ass soundtrack, I’m downloading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
I downloaded it too 🙂 it’s not available on CD unfortunately. The soundtrack actually made the film what it was, for me anyway. I love David and though he’s a ton of trouble I do think you can’t help but root for him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’ll admit I didn’t feel a sense of pride seeing him deal with those bullies. He socked it too them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
That was one of my favourite scenes!!! Hate bullies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It gives me a sense of satisfaction seeing bullies get their comeuppance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
Certainly does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It just goes to show that you shouldn’t bully someone as you never know what’s around the corner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
Exactly! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s great to hear from you Emma, always a pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
The pleasure is all mine 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love the movie discussions we have on here Emma. And if I remember correctly you said you were a Kylie fan. I did a post about her yesterday and would very much like to know what you think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
I’ll check it out!
When I was a little kid I was the biggest Kylie fan haha, her old school days – I Should Be So Lucky, Especially For You, Put Your Hand On Your Heart etc. etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I hope you like the post Emma. I mean who doesn’t like Kylie?
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
Exactly! Have you ever seen any of her films?
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I can’t say I have, though I remember her cameo in Moulin Rouge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
emmakwall said:
Oh of course!! She was the fairy wasn’t she??
I’m sure she was in Street Fighter haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love that little cameo, “I’m the Green Fairy”
LikeLike
R.L. Terry said:
You always find the best films to highlight! You’ve given me another film to watch. You seem to have captured the movie quite well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’m glad you like my reviews, I try my best to capture the essence of a movie in my work.
LikeLike
TheMarckoguy said:
I love this movie. Great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yeah it’s a real blast and I’m finally glad I saw it, after hearing so much good stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
I bought this on Emma’s recommendation, and still have yet to watch the DVD. So, I skipped the review, and the comments, just in case. I have no doubt that you summed it up perfectly though mate!
Cheers, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You gotta see this movie ASAP Pete.
LikeLike
fragglerocking said:
Going to look for this, great review makes me want to watch it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You’ll have a real blast and there’s eye candy for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
I like eye candy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
That’s exactly why I out that shirtless pic in. I take it that it gets your approval?
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
You know it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Happy to hear it pleased you. Though the movie is very good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
It’s on my To Do list 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I know you’ll like this movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
Lol OK OK I’m going to find it right now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
There’s no rush, I just really enjoyed it and want to spread the word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
OK, so you’re not nagging me then 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
No definitely not nagging. I would never do that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
V-man you gotta know I’m a joker in the pack 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I get that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve had this in my Netflix cue for what seems like forever, but after reading this fabulous review I think I’m picking this for tomorrow night’s movie. I like over-the-top thrillers, and I’m a huge Dan Stevens fan. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’ve been wanting to see this movie for a long time, so I finally decide it was the time to see it and I’m thrilled I did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Vern said:
Great review Vinnie. Dan Stevens does a really good job in this and this is a nice homage to thrillers from the 80’s in terms of tone and style. I do think it gets a little silly near the end, but it’s still a good one
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love the way the movie references 80’s thrillers, both in mood and style. And that soundtrack was phenomenal.
LikeLike
Prime Six said:
This film is awesome! I wrote a piece on it myself a while back. Way better than it has any right to be from the premise
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Awesome is the main word that sprung to mind when I was writing this review. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prime Six said:
True story: the soundtrack introduced me to a musical artist/s called F.O.O.L
I was listening to their stuff yesterday and today I started writing a short story inspired partially by that music and gtaV and a few other things. If I finish it I’ll post it on my blog haha but yhhhh awesome film loool 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love being introduced to artists via soundtracks. There have been some outstanding songs that movies have introduced me to over my years of movie watching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
badblokebob said:
I love this film! Definitely among a handful of the very best movies I saw last year. So, I agree with every point of your review, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Everyone had been talking about it so I thought it was about time I saw it. And boy am I happy I did. It was enjoyable as hell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In My Cluttered Attic said:
Dan Stevens is not the guy you remember from ‘Downton Abbey’ in this one. No, he’s a sly menace here. I suspect that’s part of the reason why he’s being mentioned as a possible heir to Daniel Craig’s Bond when he steps away from doing 007.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was good seeing him play such a dark character. It would be very interesting to see Dan Stevens as 007.
LikeLike
In My Cluttered Attic said:
I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was a huge change of pace that really paid off.
LikeLike
In My Cluttered Attic said:
That it was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
He really oozed charisma and danger that was ideal for the character.
LikeLike
In My Cluttered Attic said:
And I never thought he’d own a part like that. But he did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It just shows how versatile he can be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keith said:
I was one of those on the other side of the fence. I didn’t think it was terrible just terribly silly. And I thought Stevens was laughably on point. For me it wasn’t intense enough to be taken serious or self-aware enough to be the opposite. Now I sound like an old surly prude!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Know you don’t Keith, you have an opinion and that’s good. It has proved divisive with movie watchers I’ve noticed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keith said:
True, and that has made the discussions fun. I have always said I would go back and rewatch it from a different perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Everyone’s views are always interesting to hear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hypersonic55 said:
Cool review man, as usual it seems like you’re subsciously trying to sell some of these filsm to me and a good few times it works haha. The Guest is one of those films I’ve heard a fair amount of talk about since it’s release a few years ago and like you mentioned the response I saw a bit divisive, and maybe that’s wy I’ve never checked it out. That being said I feel compelled every so often to give it a watch and see what it’s like. Maybe this year will be the day when I do sit down and give it a try.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s a hell of a good time dude. You should check it out. On another note, have you seen anything good in cinemas lately?
LikeLike
kmSalvatore said:
ohh wow, gotta see this one.. sounds great Vinny. thanks for the review.. ill be looking for it
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
If it’s a thriller with an old school vibe you want, this is the film for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
kmSalvatore said:
It really sounds like a must see….. And have;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I agree with that statement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
abbiosbiston said:
I liked how this started but it felt like it lost its way a bit at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’ve heard a few people say the exact same thing Abbi.
LikeLike
Jordan Dodd said:
I loved this movie too! The ending was a bit predictable but like you say, the visual style and flair really added a lot. Stevens is bloody great too, would be cool to see him in something else soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
The flair and style is what really sold this movie to me. And Stevens was a real bad ass.
LikeLike
Jordan Dodd said:
He was indeed, I still remember that stare, those eyes…. creepy. And I like you mention the soundtrack, did you know it was by the same bloke who did the It Follows soundtrack?
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Those eyes were indeed icy, really stood out.
LikeLike
riverqueengroup.com said:
Reblogged this on International Gay Guide To Asia & Cambodia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
T. Mack said:
Sounds really good. I may have to check this one out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s a really bad ass movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person