The Guest is a film without a time period. And I mean that because they managed to make a present day film that feels like it could have taken place at any point in the last 50 years. It gives off an 80's vibe but also a post vietnam/Taxi Driver-esque feeling that is unsettling to say the least. Perhaps even more unsettling is Dan Stevens' performance as "David", a war veteran who returns to the family home of his supposed friend who died along with him overseas. What continues as the film dives deeper into David's psyche, is thrilling and surprising. The mysterious events that unfold as a result of his appearance bring a fascinating wrinkle into his story. However, I don't think the pay-off in the third act nearly lived up to all that was presented in the first hour. Sometimes mysteries are better left unsaid and I don't believe the choice they made about his motivations were nearly as interesting as it was initially presented. It tries to balance the line of revealing too much or not revealing enough, and I'm honestly not sure which I would have preferred more. But I guess that's just how some of these things go. Even still, the performances are terrific, the score/soundtrack is brilliant, and the direction is undoubtedly inspired.7.7/10

I more or less agree with a reviewer wholiked the first half better...as the violence escalates the acting drifts,,,,,buyt.....I'd never seen Dan Stevens before.....Not since Rutger Hauers narcissistic psychopath in 'The Hitcher' have i seen as compelling and clever aportrait of a deeply twisted guy playing such an amiable but startleingly open and strangley sympathetic pschopath. Facial expressions change in a moment from the deepest supressed wrath to ironic good nature...he has a great sense of underplay. SSupporting roles are allplausible enough as thesurreality escalates. Stevens has the sort of looks and charm of MelGibsopn in the first LethalWeapon without Gibson's over the top hysteria...a very controlled pefformance.Check it out...T

The guest is a very well made movie with great direction and soundtrack. It is definitely entertaining because of the great performance from Dan Stevens and Maika Monroe. The movie sets up mysterious atmosphere really well which contributes to a great beginning but it does lose its thriller touch after the halfway mark. I gave it 7/10 because it wasn't very ambitious in trying to maintain the tension throughout the movie but on the bright side it still manages to be good enough to keep you entertained till the end. Do i recommend ? Yes But don't go expecting a movie worth a Metascore of 76

I felt intrigued by the work of Adam Wingard after watching one of his short movies in the V/H/S. Now that he stepped up to make an indie movie, I was kind of interested. And thus, The Guest was born.The Guest is horror-thriller movie, which stars Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe and other not so very known actors. What confuses me about the categorization of this movie, is the "horror" label. This movie isn't horror, HOWEVER it is made to LOOK like a horror movie. To be exact, The Guest is a homage to 80's slasher flicks, and it does it without ripping off any movie really.==== SPOILER ALERT / SPOILER ALERT / SPOILER ALERT ==== Plot: A man claiming to be the friend of a son, that the Petersen family lost visits the family in an effort to take care of them. However, soon it is discovered that this new visitor is much more on the surface.The plot sure is something new. Never have I seen really an idea so well incorporated into a feature length movie, that The Guest succeeds at. The movie is essentially built up as a horror movie, particularly a 80's slasher. That's what makes this movie kind of enjoyable, as it tries to pay homage to then known horror movies with scream queens, unstoppable antagonists and synthwave/retro music popularized by John Carpenter.Acting: Dan Stevens comes off as an interesting, but ominous character, that has charisma and intelligence. Every time he was on screen, his influence could be seen on the other characters as well. The interaction between characters is also very very well done. Its fluid and smooth, because in here you actually CARE about the family members and even the guest himself becomes extremely likable. Character development is strong with this movie at least, so if you want to see that sort of interaction, this movie is fit for that. Here's a bit of a spoiler: there's a scene with two characters discussing on keeping a secret from flowing outside by putting it just between them. It tells about professionalism, that these officials have for the sake of the plot and the pacing.Soundtrack: As the movie is basically a 80's slasher flick, the entire OST consists of remixes of electronic songs or completely made up songs that feature synthwave/electro punk/wave genres. This is one aspect, that makes this movie feel like a blast from the past.Cinematography: Not much can be said about it, however there are several shots of Dan Steven's character looking straight into the camera for a handful of seconds. Even though his expressions are neutral, he still looks menacing, especially due to the fact that he is a tad bit too friendly.Overall: The movie is one of those gems, that people will eventually come to. It has great acting, music and action to keep it refreshing and original. It's pacing is one of the best things, as said before, since its developed as a horror movie from start to finish. I recommend The Guest for those wanting something different and organic. It's fun, thrilling and enjoyable. 9/10.