Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett are no strangers to horror, and recently the kitsch and camp. Their last film You’re Next successfully blended horror with genuine dark humor and called back to the more silly horror films of the 80s.
The result was one of the most enjoyable horror experiences in recent memory, a refreshing change of pace from the drag paranomal phenomena that have plagued scary movies for the past few years. The latest outing by these two, The Guest, strays away from their horror roots, leaning towards a psychological thriller that is entertaining to watch, and fascinating to experience, as Wingard and Barrett dive into new territory.
The film opens with David Collins (Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame), a soldier discharged from the war in Afghanistan, arriving at the door of the Peterson family. All four members are still grieving over the loss of their son/brother Caleb, who was killed in the war. David claims he was a close friend of Caleb’s, and as a last request of the fallen soldier, he has come to make sure the family is all right and properly taken care of. He soon begins to win them over, providing comfort and protection in their daily lives. However, when strange occurrences begin happening in the town, siblings Luke and Anna begin to question if David is who he really claims to be.
The Guest comes as a surprise from Wingard and Barrett, filmmakers now synonymous with the horror genre. The film definitely has its tense moments, one including a fantastic set piece in the third act, but it plays out more as a thriller than a straight horror film. The direction from Wingard is ever improving, and he builds on his impeccable skills last seen in You’re Next, racking up the tension, keeping the audience in the dark. Barrett also builds on his ability to mix genres, creating a bleakly funny stream of dialogue paired with horrific actions. The film is quick to act, never lingering on a dull moment, creating a twisted atmosphere that switches gears in the deliciously twisted third act. The two compliment each other’s talents, providing an immensely entertain viewing experience; it’s a feast for the genre fanatic.
The acting, however, is nothing special, leaning more on the scale of B-movie, with the exception of Dan Stevens’ fantastic turn as David. He commands every scene he’s in, blending malevolence and charm into a character whose motives the audience is unsure of. Why has he shown up in this town? Who is he really? These questions slowly get answered until David’s true colors escape. His performance grows, erupting into something fantastic, an antagonist who is both physically and mentally threatening, able to play on people weaknesses, and manipulate every scenario he encounters. Stevens, most well known as Matthew Crawley on Downton Abbey, unveils a whole new acting persona. He can do action as well as drama, miraculously both at the same time. He’s a joy to watch on screen, and makes his character as despicable as he is likeable. Stevens is definitely the star of this show.
With a tight, smart script by Barrett, confident direction from Adam Wingard, and a commanding performance by Dan Stevens, The Guest is a fantastic viewing experience, and one not to be missed for those who enjoy the thriller genre. The film opens September 17.