User Review

The Guest is a gripping, stylish thriller with enough scares and surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. It was a little paint-by-numbers in terms of the overall story, which might explain its rating, but I found that it kept me entranced, curious and entertained. I don't want to give away too much, but the basic premise is that an old army buddy of a soldier who died in action returns to his dead comrade's home. At first, he seems to be a sexy, soft-spoken, helpful, charming and likable new addition to their family, but when people start to die in unusual circumstances, questions about this stranger emerge. Along with the questions comes a heavy dose of suspicion and the drama unfolds. The cinematography is gorgeous. The soundtrack is very Eighties (ala. Drive). The acting is top notch (especially Dan Stevens and newcomer Maika Monroe - who was also fantastic in "It Follows"). Some of the fight scenes are slightly cartoonish, but you get the feeling that the director is infusing these scenes with intentional campiness. The shots are slightly sped up in these scenes and the choreography is reminiscent of Guy Ritchie. The movie is intense. My one complaint is that the plot isn't terribly original, but it still manages to be both gripping and wildly entertaining. There is also something a bit tongue-in-cheek about a lot of the movie. There is a comedic underpinning to many of the scenes and dialogue. The baddie oozes so much charm (as with many psychopaths) that it's fascinating to watch him transform. Not a "great" movie, but a very good movie with a lot of style and a wonderful, synthy, Eighties-style soundtrack. In my books, It's definitely worth a look. I gave it 8/10