Quick Info
So, "The Guest" slipped under a lot of radars when it came out, but honestly, it’s one of those thrillers that’s just weirdly fun from start to finish. The whole premise is about a mysterious soldier who shows up at a family’s doorstep, claiming to be a friend of their deceased son. Right from the first act, there’s a sense that something is a little off—and the film absolutely thrives on that tension and uncertainty.
Dan Stevens, who you might know from "Downton Abbey," completely sheds that image here and delivers an icy, charismatic performance. He manages to be both likeable and deeply unsettling, sometimes in the same scene. The supporting cast, especially Maika Monroe as the daughter, is refreshingly real and holds their own against Stevens’ creepy, magnetic energy.
One of the standout aspects for me was the synth-heavy soundtrack and neon-drenched cinematography. It gives the movie this retro, almost ‘80s horror vibe, but wrapped in modern sensibilities. Little details in the camera work keep you guessing about whether you’re watching an unhinged hero or a total villain take over this family’s life.
Not everything works, though; the story gets a bit over-the-top by the third act (bordering on the ludicrous at points), and some characters make choices that will have you rolling your eyes. Still, it grips you with a sense of dread and style, never really letting you get too comfortable.
You would enjoy this if you like twisty, suspenseful movies that blur lines between genres—a little bit thriller, a little bit horror, and seriously stylish. If you want something pulpy but smart, with a cool anti-hero at its core, “The Guest” is a wild ride worth checking out.
