The Guest (2014)
Starring: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Lance
Reddick
Plot: 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.
My Review and Thoughts:
This is an interesting psychological action thriller. Has
all the remnants of a modern grindhouse drive-in feature film. Slick, fun, action-packed
and interesting in the idea of secrets and lies. A mystery that slowly
unfolds when an ex-military named David enters the life of one family. The
mystery around him and why he is there slowly comes to light in a great violent thriller that I actually really enjoyed.
Directed by Adam Wingard, who I enjoyed from his other
feature films, skits and segments in the VHS and ABC's of Death films along
with his film You're Next. Always a treat to watch anything he creates. He showcases the old-school
aspect of horror, action and a psychological reality to his many films that
slowly grow on the viewer and become a cult like setting of film.
This one is written by Simon Barrett. Barrett and Wingard
have collaborated together on many films such as the horror You're Next. Both
are perfect together in creating memorable situations and memorable characters
and one of kind plots. Barrett knows what he wants and he showcases his ultimate imagination on page and Wingard creates that imagination in movie form. Another interesting note is that you have your cameo of AJ Bowen who has been a stable in Wingard and Barrett's films. From 2010's A Horrible way to Die to 2011's You're Next and many others. Both Barrett and Wingard are a nice wrecking team of old school thrills that I highly love and thankfully because of these two, I still enjoy.
I think what I like so much about this film is it's done in
a sophisticated way. Done with the right amount of tension, the right amount of
mystery woven around flawless acting. All the performers create a perfect
persona of each of the characterizations going through what is happening. The
movie comes together as a thick plot of story and building up of the character.
The plot then throws the right amount of action-packed violence, but without
overdoing it.
I like its dark reality and darkened tone. The attitude and
hidden terror of Dan Stevens’s performance is golden. He bleeds terrifying. One
moment calm the next the hidden darkness explodes. Stevens is perfect in the
role as the mysterious David. I loved all the performers. The beautiful Maika
Monroe graces the teenage angst part and also the voice of logic. She displays
her role in a reality based setting that gives the viewer a perfect character.
Another shinning role is Brendon Meyer. The picked on bullied outcast that ends
up liking and becoming friends with David. A perfect actor. I understood his
character and related to his character through his solid performance. A really
gifted actor.
Loved the no holds bar examination of violence and ruthless
actions. The concept and the idea of right and wrong or the simplistic idea of
good and bad alter itself and twists into violent unattached moments of
sadistic perfection.
Ultimate Super Soldier killing machine meets a late night
horror movie.
I love the soundtrack. The acting. The direction and story.
It became so much. I was not expecting this little gem. I loved it and felt its
slick, dark mysterious persona.