The Guest

The Guest is a gripping and exhilarating movie from the year 2014 that masterfully blends elements of suspense, action, and thriller genres. Directed by Adam Wingard, a rising star on the indie horror scene, known for cult favorites like You're Next, this film takes us on an unexpected journey filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The film stars Dan Stevens, best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, in a significantly different persona. He portrays the character of David Collins, an unobtrusively charming and charismatic ex-military, who visits the Peterson family, claiming to have served in the army with their deceased son Caleb. His seamlessly flawless soldier-like mannerisms and smooth, comforting words earn their trust, and he gradually becomes part of their lives.

Sheila Kelley plays the role of Laura Peterson, the mother of the bereaved family. She manifests the grief and helplessness of a mother who's lost her son exceptionally well and is particularly vulnerable to the comfort offered by David Collins. The mother, father, and the youngest son Luke (played by Brendan Meyer) are immediately taken in by David's affable persona and protective demeanor. But it's the eldest daughter, Anna, portrayed by Maika Monroe, who remains skeptical about David's story, fueling the suspense that permeates throughout the film.

The film exhibits a keen understanding of pacing, building up a sense of unease and tension from its seemingly innocuous beginnings. Wingard begins by steeping us in the everyday mundanity of the household before sparing no time in introducing David in a mysterious and unperturbed fashion. The first half primarily concerns itself with David's integration into the Peterson family and his interactions with the various members and townsfolk.

The second half, however, escalates the film into high gear. As events unfold, characters - especially Anna - grapple with a series of unsettling revelations, and David reveals himself to be much more than a simple soldier. The town transforms into a battleground of sorts, without the war ever being explicitly declared. This transition is subtly signified by clever storytelling and calculated visual cues, allowing the audience to question and reappraise their opinions about its characters continually.

The Guest carries an undercurrent of dark humor that adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The fun boils down to Wingard's namesake as a director, namely his acute talent for balancing tone. He creates a satisfying bouillabaisse that combines suspense, action, and unexpected character developments to a steady, potent simmer.

One of the most applaudable things about The Guest is that while it navigates the thriller genre with calculated precision, it never loses track of its character development. Throughout the unexpected plot progression, David's transformation is complemented by the mirrored change in the Peterson family, particularly the children, Luke and Anna.

The performance of Dan Stevens is commendable. His portrayal of David is haunting, likable, and at times, deeply disturbing. He perfectly underplays his character, capturing the essence of what makes a thriller so captivating - unpredictability. Sheila Kelley adds nuance to the sorrowful mother figure, while Maika Monroe shines as the subtly intelligent and intuitive young woman.

Films that genuinely surprise are rare and those that do it as enjoyably and creatively as The Guest is an even rarer breed. The Guest is a phenomenal, genre-bending thriller that keeps you guessing until its final moments. It is a beautiful amalgamation of suspense, intrigue, action, and dark humor that's definitely worth a watch.