Here’s a crafty tale that sets up its audience for a lot of mystery, action and suspense. Titled The Guest, it’s helmed by the same director that gave thriller audiences You’re Next. Now on video and available in a convenient Blu-ray/DVD combo pack the film’s perfect for an evening of entertainment at home.
The film opens with a man running down a country road. It cuts to the Peterson family; Spencer (Leland Orser), Laura (Sheila Kelley) and their two children teenage Anna (Maika Monroe) and pre-teen Luke (Brendan Meyer) who leave for school. Spencer follows them out the door for work and Laura goes about her busy day at home. Minutes later there’s a knock at the door and Laura Peterson opens the door to a man who introduces himself as David (Dan Stevens). He claims he knew her son Caleb who was in his unit when he was killed in Afghanistan and tells her that Caleb wanted him to deliver a message to each of the family members that he loved them. She’s touched by the gesture and after he points himself out in a photo on the Peterson mantel, Laura invites him to stay and meet the rest of the family when they return later in the day. So begins a film of intrigue, suspense and conflict involving David’s real intentions.
Director Adam Wingard, who brought the horror thriller You’re Next to the screen, pushes the envelope with a strong violent film immersed in mystery. He keeps the movie very gripping while moving it along at a fast clip. Character build up doesn’t take much time and David’s presence at the Peterson’s as he becomes involved with the family develops into a protector against anyone who interferes with the families’ lives. Nicely filmed with a background of haunting music that enhances the brooding mood of the movie generates a lasting feel of terror. I especially liked the song “Haunted When the Minutes Drag” performed by Love and Rockets and the techno background music similar to the soundtrack of Halloween.
The fine acting across the board makes the film work. Creating a very chilling character, Dan Stevens dominates the movie with his heavy-handed personality and demanding tone. He shows his soft side at first changing it up from time to time becoming excessively domineering when he sees any threats to the Petersons. The bullies to Luke, boyfriends of Anna or anyone threating in his way doesn’t stand a chance against David.
Maika Monroe does a good job with her inquisitive character that finds herself dealing with fire and trying not to get burned. She’s an up and coming actress that easily provides the necessary edge that keeps Stevens in character. When her Anna thinks she has it all figured out, a twist puts her behind the proverbial eight ball. I like her look and delivery and can see her doing some starring roles in the future.
There is a downside to the film as writer Simon Barrett leads his audience into a dead-end not really revealing the true intentions of David and leaving it up to us to come to a conclusion. There are many hints provided including a speech to Luke about revenge, Anna investigating his background and even a skirmish with David’s military commanders. So you may want to take a second look at the film on your DVD or Blu-ray to figure it all out. But, even with the low budget The Guest makes a big impression.
BONUS FEATURES
“Deleted Scenes” seven deleted scenes including the original opening, a clown outtake and an extended introduction to the Peterson family.
“Q&A with Dan Stevens” the star of the film discusses his character.
“Feature Commentary with Director Adam Wingard and Writer Simon Barrett”
The visual quality of the film is very good on the Blu-ray1080p HD Widescreen 2.40:1, but with most films transferring from theater screens to home video, the letterbox doesn’t film my whole 16×9 TV. That said I didn’t find any distortion or grain in the playback.
The sound quality is very good especially the background music that gives the film a haunting feel. The dialogue is easily understood and the sound effects nicely done.
The Guest has been rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, language, some drug use and a scene of sexuality. The film also has a scene of nudity, consistent cursing and brutality. Please be sure to keep R rated films from adolescents and immature teens.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser, Lance Reddick, Tabatha Shaun, Chase Williamson, Joel David Moore, Steven John Brown, Brenden Wedner, Alex Knight, Ethan Embry, Nancy Jeris.
Director: Adam Wingard
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, language, some drug use and a scene of sexuality
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
Running Time: 1hr 39 min
Video Release Date: January 6, 2015
Original Film Release Date: September 5, 2015
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray/DVD
Audio: Blu-ray-DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Video: Blu-ray- 1080p HD Widescreen 2.40:1, DVD- Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 Discs/Blu-ray Combo Pack
Distributed by: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
