The Guest (2014)

The Guest Poster

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.

Introduction
"The Guest" is a thrilling, hectic American action scary film directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett. Its gripping storyline, impressive efficiency, and unpredictability make it an unique piece, ensuring nail-biting excitement from start to complete. The movie, released in 2014, stars Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, and Sheila Kelley.

Plot
The plot of "The Guest" kicks off when a captivating yet strange man named David (played by Dan Stevens) comes to the Petersons' doorstep, declaring to have served in the army with their deceased boy, Caleb. Having compassion with David's story, the Peterson household invites him in, thereby setting in movement a series of events that gradually reveal David's sinister intentions.

Character Development
Throughout the film, David's character puzzlingly oscillates in between charismatic and sociopathic tendencies, keeping viewers on their toes. He reveals genuine kindness towards the household, particularly the youngest kid Luke (Brendan Meyer), who he assists stand up to his school bullies. David's interesting duality is well-developed, causing drama and secret.

Elements of Suspense and Action
While in the beginning David appears to be an ideal visitor, the family's child, Anna (Maika Monroe), ends up being hesitant about his identity, performing her own investigation. Following a series of suspicious deaths, including her boyfriend's, Anna contacts the military to verify David's story. It ends up David is really a test subject of a secret military experiment developed to develop a super-soldier, however the task was closed down after the test subjects became uncontrollable.

Turning Point and Climax
The movie reaches a pinnacle of horror when concealed military operatives storm the Peterson family trying to kill David. However, David's remarkable strength and battle skills permit him to get rid of the attackers. A frightened household escapes, leaving the apparently invincible David behind. David's true nature is revealed, changing the plot from a relatively safe shared grieving to a terrifying fight for survival.

Conclusion and Resolution
In the climax, Anna and her younger sibling Luke set up a trap at their high school's Halloween maze, leading to a final conflict between them and David. The movie ends with a thrilling showdown under a strobe light in a smoke-filled labyrinth, resulting in David being seemingly defeated. But in a chilling last twist, the movie indicates that David might still live, leaving space for possible sequels.

Total Analysis
"The Guest" is a spectacular mix of action, horror, and thriller, keeping viewers riveted with its unforeseen plot twists and vibrant character development. The movie plays cleverly with common genre conventions, all while showcasing unexpectedly deep performances, especially from Dan Stevens. The film's dramatic tension, combined with an extraordinary soundtrack and eye-catching cinematography, make "The Guest" an unique and fascinating viewing experience.

Top Cast

  • Dan Stevens (small)
    Dan Stevens
    “David”
  • Maika Monroe (small)
    Maika Monroe
    Anna
  • Brendan Meyer (small)
    Brendan Meyer
    Luke
  • Sheila Kelley (small)
    Sheila Kelley
    Mrs. Peterson
  • Leland Orser (small)
    Leland Orser
    Mr. Peterson
  • Lance Reddick (small)
    Lance Reddick
    Carver
  • Joel David Moore (small)
    Joel David Moore
    Craig
  • Ethan Embry (small)
    Ethan Embry
    Higgins
  • Tabatha Shaun (small)
    Tabatha Shaun
    Kristen
  • AJ Bowen (small)
    AJ Bowen
    Austin
  • Candice Patton (small)
    Candice Patton
    Sgt. Halway