Review of The Guest (2014) by Seth Y — 12 Jan 2015

The Guest is surprisingly a fun thriller that has that 80s action style. Adam Wingard made a great second directing debut after his horror film You're Next which was a lot of fun with a odd twist and a bloody third act. The Guest has that build up to a climax that is rather suspenseful.

The story follows David (Dan Stevens) a former soldier who visits the Peterson family who has lost their oldest son in war. David claims to be friends with their older son Caleb. David plans to fulfill their older sons last dying wish of taking care of his family while he is gone. David helps their youngest son from being bullied in high school, watches over their daughter going to a wild party and aids in helping Mrs. Peterson around the house and errands. David alone, does have his hidden agenda that can bring more harm than good.

Simon Barretts script does really well in setting up a story and having David watching over the family. Then, by the third act the movie does rush in a action packed ride. It does have that genres tone that changes with a horror movie feel but being action packed. Dan Stevens does a good job in handling the main role and a antagonist. The supporting cast Maika Monroe, Leland Orser, Sheila Kelly, and Brendan Meyer all did well.

The Guest is a lot of fun and unexpectedly a good action packed movie that should be worth taking a look.