In one sentence: The Guest follows charismatic soldier, David, whose arrival at a family home escalates into deadly tension.

---

With Halloween approaching, it is time to start the seasonal movie lineup, and The Guest (2014) is one I highly recommend. Dan Stevens, then best known for playing the dapper Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, took on a career-changing role as soldier, David Collins. Some may remember the interview where he was asked if he won the role by “beating off lots of American men”. His reaction to Susanna Reid’s innocent wording in the interview is still hilarious to watch.

In the film, Stevens looks incredible after building a lean musical figure, a far cry from his Downton Abbey days, and his piercing baby blues do plenty of work too. However, his character is not what he seems. David arrives at the Peterson family’s home, claiming to be visiting the family as a promise to his fallen fellow soldier (the Peterson’s eldest son, Caleb), but his polite, helpful manner hides something darker. Before he even reaches their door, a short opening sequence shows him running through the desert to ominous synth music. It is a sharp introduction that sets the tone perfectly.

David quickly becomes part of the Peterson family. He charms mother, Laura (Sheila Kelley), wins over father, Spencer (Leland Orser), helps shy son, Luke (Brendan Meyer), and catches the attention of skeptical daughter, Anna (Maika Monroe). His motives remain uncertain, but his mix of kindness, strength and violence keeps everyone off balance. The bar fight scene in particular is brilliantly choreographed and is one of the film’s highlights.

The soundtrack really elevates the movie. Its pounding synth gives the story real atmosphere and echoes the best of 1980s thrillers without feeling dated. Combined with the Halloween backdrop, it creates a mood that is stylish, tense and memorable. This combination of tone and energy is likely what led to the film’s cult following.

Dan Stevens and Director, Adam Wingard, once teased a sequel on April Fool’s Day, much to fans’ disappointment when it turned out to not to be true. If it ever happens, I believe it would almost certainly reach a much bigger audience than the original. Despite its violence and genre, I have yet to meet a person who has not found this movie entertaining. 

On the surface, it is a slick action-horror hybrid made for audience amusement, but it also raises interesting questions about military conditioning, male objectification (Stevens’ towel scene is definitely worth mentioning), and classic film influences from Halloween to The Terminator.

Maika Monroe stands out as Anna, the one person who senses something is not right but cannot ignore her attraction to David. It is a familiar dynamic with before-seen tropes, but it plays effectively here. The film could perhaps use a little more of David’s backstory, but apparently these scenes were cut after test screenings. The result is a lean, fast-paced story that gives the audience enough to stay engaged without spelling out everything.

The Guest is not a traditional Halloween movie, but its use of seasonal imagery, especially in the final 15 minutes (look out for the grave!) makes it a perfect October watch. Dan Stevens has never looked better or more dangerous in this sharp, synth-soaked flick that turns charm into something truly chilling.

If you have already met this particular ‘guest’, let me know if he charmed you too or if you would rather keep your door firmly locked this Halloween!

★★★★☆ (4/5)