The Guest Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charming guest solves everyone’s problems with extreme prejudice until a Halloween funhouse showdown reveals his awkward past as a government supersoldier.

🍿 The Guest: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival of David

David (Dan Stevens), a former soldier, arrives at the home of the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their deceased son, Caleb, who died in action in Afghanistan. He’s polite and well-mannered, quickly endearing himself to Laura (Sheila Kelley), the mother, and the younger son, Luke (Brendan Meyer). Spencer (Leland Orser), the father, is more reserved, but generally welcomes David’s presence.

A Helping Hand… or Something More?

David swiftly integrates into the family, offering support and solutions to their problems. He helps Luke stand up to bullies at school and seems to alleviate the family’s grief. However, Anna (Maika Monroe), the elder daughter, grows suspicious of David’s seemingly perfect facade and starts to question his true identity and motives. Strange and violent events begin to occur around him.

Unraveling the Truth

As Anna digs deeper, she uncovers inconsistencies in David’s story. A call to the military reveals that the real David Collins is dead, and that the man staying with her family is an imposter. She discovers his involvement in a series of increasingly violent incidents, solidifying her belief that he is dangerous and not who he claims to be. The film quickly escalates from a thriller to an action-packed fight for survival.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David (Dan Stevens): A mysterious and highly trained soldier who infiltrates the Peterson family with deadly ulterior motives.
• Anna Peterson (Maika Monroe): The skeptical and resourceful daughter who uncovers David’s true identity and fights to protect her family.
• Luke Peterson (Brendan Meyer): The bullied younger brother who initially admires David but ultimately plays a crucial role in stopping him.
• Laura Peterson (Sheila Kelley): The grieving mother who welcomes David into her home, seeking solace after the loss of her son.
• Spencer Peterson (Leland Orser): The skeptical father and husband who becomes suspicious of David’s presence.
• Major Carver (Lance Reddick): The leader of the covert military unit tasked with eliminating David and covering up the failed experiment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• David: “I did the right thing.” – Spoken with chilling conviction, hinting at his distorted moral code and justification for his actions.
• David: “You did the right thing. I don’t blame you.” – Said to Luke after Luke injures a bully, showing his warped mentorship and encouragement of violence.
• Anna: “Who the hell are you?” – Anna confronts David as her suspicions grow, capturing the central mystery of his true identity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $332,890
• Worldwide Gross: $2,700,051

💥 The Guest Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! It was such a fun ride from start to finish. Dan Stevens was incredible as David, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what he was going to do next. The Halloween funhouse scene was epic! It’s a total blast, and the soundtrack is killer. Definitely a must-watch if you’re into thrillers with a twist.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of thrillers with a retro aesthetic”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark humor and action”
  • “Those interested in stories with ambiguous morality”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence and gore”
  • “Profanity”
  • “Brief drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A stylish and surprisingly witty thriller that subverts expectations at every turn. Dan Stevens delivers a star-making performance as the enigmatic guest.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A slick and entertaining action-thriller with a darkly comedic edge. Adam Wingard’s direction is sharp, and the synth-heavy soundtrack adds to the film’s retro appeal.
• IGN: “The Guest is a thrilling and suspenseful ride that keeps you guessing until the very end. Dan Stevens is fantastic as the charming yet deadly stranger.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack is amazing and perfectly sets the mood!: The music in this movie is universally praised for its 80s-inspired synth vibes.

Dan Stevens’ performance is captivating and makes the movie!: Viewers consistently highlight Dan Stevens’ portrayal of David as a standout, praising his charm and sinister demeanor.

Overall Consensus: The Guest is a stylish and thrilling action-horror hybrid with a standout performance from Dan Stevens and a killer soundtrack. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett included a reference to their previous film, ‘You’re Next’. During the Halloween party scene, a partygoer can be seen wearing the fox mask worn by one of the home invaders in ‘You’re Next’.”
• “The film’s distinctive electronic soundtrack, reminiscent of 1980s thrillers, was a key element in setting the tone and enhancing the suspense.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Guest?

As of October 2024, “The Guest” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for television availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Guest, you might like these similar films:

• You’re Next (2011): Directed by the same team (Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett), it features similar elements of suspense, violence, and dark humor.
• Drive (2011): Shares a similar aesthetic with a strong emphasis on stylized violence and an evocative electronic soundtrack.
• The Terminator (1984): Features a seemingly unstoppable, remorseless killer with advanced combat skills.
• Hanna (2011): Also explores the themes of government programs creating child soldiers.

🛒 The Guest Related Products

• The Guest (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Limited edition vinyl featuring the film’s iconic synthwave soundtrack. A must-have for fans and collectors, showcasing the film’s distinctive sound.
• The Guest [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition with director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes footage. Experience the film in stunning quality and gain insight into the making of the movie.
• The Guest – David Cosplay Costume: Dress up as the mysterious David with this high-quality cosplay costume, complete with iconic jacket and accessories. Perfect for Halloween or fan conventions.
• The Guest – Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the film’s striking poster, perfect for decorating any fan’s space. Show your appreciation for this stylish thriller.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Guest features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Anthonio (Berlin Breakdown Version)” – performed by Annie
• “The Magician” – performed by Mike Simonetti
• “Because I Love You” – performed by Axel Bauer
• “Haunted When The Minutes Drag” – performed by Love and Rockets

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

They Always Bully Him ‼️Have you watched “The Guest 🎬”

Check out this intense showdown from “The Guest” as David steps in to defend someone from bullies. The fight choreography is top-notch, and it’ll surely get your adrenaline pumping.

The Guest – House Shootout Scene (1080p)

Dive into the heart-stopping action of “The Guest” with this extended house shootout scene. Witness the characters’ determination and the film’s captivating cinematography.

The Guest – David helps Luke in Principal’s Office Scene (1080p)

Delve into the complex character of David in “The Guest” through this scene. His actions will leave you questioning his true nature and the film’s moral ambiguity.

✨ Rate