Review of The Guest (2014) by Arlene S — 30 Apr 2015
A fascinating thriller with a very intriguing main character. It feels like The Hitcher meets Drive. A small scale suspenseful story that has some intense surprises. The finale in the haunted house feels like a 80's horror homage - an era which the filmmaker clearly adores (he also made the superb home invasion film You're Next).
The acting is also top-notch and there's a pretty strong commentary on Military PTSD. In some respects, it's critical of so many "perfect" cliches in America. The best friend, the good soldier, the hot guy, getting revenge on the bully, good with guns, drinks beer and smokes pot, and he's even a fireman in the end.
The film subverts all those stereotypes much in the same way that Cronenberg's History of Violence also makes a statement on our society. The film might not blow you away but it's an entertaining ride nonetheless.
This review of The Guest (2014) was written by Arlene S on 30 Apr 2015.
The Guest has generally received positive reviews.
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