The Guest (2014)

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.

Director:

Adam Wingard

Writer:

Simon Barrett

Stars:

Dan Stevens, Sheila Kelley, Maika Monroe

3 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dan Stevens	...	"David"
Maika Monroe	...	Anna Peterson
Brendan Meyer	...	Luke Peterson
Sheila Kelley	...	Laura Peterson
Leland Orser	...	Spencer Peterson
Lance Reddick	...	Major Carver
Tabatha Shaun	...	Kristen
Chase Williamson	...	Zeke
Joel David Moore	...	Craig
Steve Brown	...	Mike
Brenden Wedner	...	Ian
Alex Knight	...	Mr. Lyles
Ethan Embry	...	Higgings
Nancy Jeris	...	Secretary
Matthew Page	...	Fireman (as Matt Page)

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | mysterious man | drug dealer | psychopath | dog tag | 

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Taglines:

Be careful who you let in.

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, language, some drug use and a scene of sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 September 2014 (UK)

Also Known As:

Gost

Filming Locations:

Moriarty, New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$84,527 (USA) (19 September 2014)

Gross:

$322,600 (USA) (17 October 2014)

Company Credits

Production Co:

HanWay Films, Snoot Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Adam Wingard revealed that the budget for this film was around 5 million dollars.

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Goofs

The "Witness Elite 9mm" pistol is not a 9mm or a EAA Witness Elite - it's a Colt .45 ACP, both in appearance and construction.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Spencer Peterson: Are you done with your breakfast?
Luke Peterson: Yeah.
Spencer Peterson: Let's do this thing.

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Connections

Featured in Projector: The Guest (2014)

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Soundtracks

Anthonio (Berlin Breakdown Version)
Written by Richard Phillips, Hannah Robinson, and Anna Lillia Berge Strand
Performed by Annie
Published by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
o/b/o Warner Chappell Music Publishing Ltd.,
Universal Polygram International Publishing, Inc.
on behalf of Native Songs Ltd. (ASCAP),
Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP) Courtesy of Black Melody Ltd.

User Reviews

The Guest brings smooth style and satire in his stay

Creepy stranger premise has been used in horror or mystery to varied effect, the latest Jennifer Lopez's flick is an example of how not to welcome this premise. Luckily, The Guest has the luxury of having suave lead actor and good atmosphere for a thriller. Some of the kinks are predictable, but the dark humor as well as bizarre revelations offer much needed novelty to the movie.

David (Dan Stevens) arrives at the Petersons resident, claiming that he was a friend of their fallen son. He's well-mannered and seems trustworthy, thus the family welcomes him openly. Upon his stay, strange accidents begin to happen, and suspicion arises with the casualties. The most important hook is Dan Stevens' portrayal of David. He looks like a rugged debonair, this is not average smooth, this is Ryan Gosling's level of smoothness.

Stevens delivers a wide variety of emotions, he can be either friendly or deadly. Backed by good cast, such as Maika Monroe as the Anna Peterson and Lance Reddick as Mayor Carver, the movie has a solid degree on acting performance. The exchange of banter is enjoyable, often resulting in manipulation or downright violence for David's benefit. It elevates the human drama between him, the Peterson family and whoever unlucky enough to be in their immediately vicinity.

Mystery of David's real identity is crafted slowly and it's compelling enough to pique interest without revealing too much. The film also has a touch of humor, albeit slightly crude. Strangely, in the third act it changes tone drastically for the climax. This shift is a bit odd considering it plays the thriller aspect with steady pace for the majority of early parts, although this explosive tone does have the merit of being entertaining.

There are short bursts of Hollywood style carnage, but they are modest, not all out gunblazing from the start like Bourne or the recent John Wick. Action sequences are well choreographed, it has both devastating and ridiculous impact.. Good practical effect for the blood and explosion as well as its highly unorthodox soundtracks make the faster pace scenes more satisfying.

Having good mesh of action, mystery and comedy, The Guest is enigmatically fascinating.