The Guest (2014)
Action, Mystery, Thriller
Directed By: Adam Wingard
If you want proof that you don't need $150 million budget
and a cast of A-list movie stars to make a high quality action movie you need
look no further than 2014's The Guest.
Written by Simon Barrett and directed by Adam Wingard, the duo behind such
films as You're Next and A Horrible Way to Die, the two blend
different genres and tropes to create an action movie more suspenseful and
thrilling than any other of recent memory. These guys are a major players in
the indie revolution we are currently a part of, guys like them, Ti West, and
Benson & Moorhead are finding new ways with each film to breathe new life
into a world of movies so many claim to be dead.
After a young soldier dies in action, leaving his family
emotionally broken, a young man named David (Dan Stevens) arrives at their
house unexpected. He claims to have served with their son and that he was
present when he died. He doesn't come with any requests or ulterior motives; he
just wants to tell the family how much their son loved him, one by one.
However, when Mr. Peterson (Leland Orser) insists he stay with them until he
figures out his plans for the future mysterious things begin to happen. After a
few accidental deaths and a call to the military HQ they realize this man may
not be what, or who he claims to be.
Typically known for their work in horror, Barrett &
Wingard take what they have learned from spewing blood and guts and bring it
into a new world. Although this is an action thriller from top to bottom the
horror touch is present throughout and without it this film doesn't make the
impact it has. From the framing to the music, this movie feels like a horror
flick with highly intense action sequences replacing the scares. That's not to
say this film isn't creepy, because it is. Any film that sets itself around
Halloween already scores major points with me and The Guest not only does this,
it utilizes the time period to its advantage. Without it the entire finale
isn't possible and thus the film isn't as great. It also creates the perfect atmosphere
of creepy and nostalgic, there's something about Halloween time that gives a
film that awesome eighties feel to it.
The big surprise of this movie though is Dan Stevens, his
performance as the war torn David is the movie and was also a pretty big risk.
Dan Stevens is a British actor known best for his work on Downton Abbey and as a classically trained actor, not necessarily
your first choice for an American action star. The risk paid its reward and
then some though as Steven's owns this role and crafts the movie into what it
was meant to be. The way he is able to shift gears from the most lovable and
charming person you have ever met to one of the most frightening and deadly is
awe striking and truly quite terrifying.
Aside from Steven's performance the most impressive aspect
of this film is the action scenes. These sequences are not only impressive for
a small budget indie film but for any action film, blockbuster or otherwise.
The fight scene in the bar is one of the best shot and choreographed fights I
have seen outside of The Raid films
in years. I would compare it to the style of Matthew Vaughn as the action is
fast paced, unforgiving, and wonderfully brutal. They want you to feel the pain
when you watch someone’s leg get snapped in two or a beer bottle smashed over
their face, and you do.
I would consider this movie a must watch for all movie geeks
as it is a testament to what can be done when talented people are behind the
camera, big budget or not. Simon Barrett and Adam Wingard have proven through
their work that they not only have a unique voice but that they can make films
that stand out in crowded circles. We see twenty new action movies a year, most
with double the budget of this, and yet The
Guest stands out as one of the best American made action movies of the past
five years. Now available on Netflix streaming I couldn't recommend this movie
more, everyone should see and appreciate this movie. Why should they keep
making $200 million dollar movies when something as incredible as this can be
made for next to nothing?
As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches
Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!
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