The Guest (2014)

Abele finds the thriller a tough, fun homage to 1980s genre cinema, with cheeky craft and potent thrills. He especially praises Dan Stevens’ mesmerizing, psychotically charming performance as the mysterious soldier.

Dowd finds the film wickedly entertaining, praising its blend of ruthless action, dark comedy, and genre pastiche. Dan Stevens is singled out for making David an indelible villain who holds the mix of tones together.

The critic regards the film as a tense throwback thriller. He singles out its pulpy 1980s influences and Dan Stevens’s departure from his respectable image.

The visible description suggests a qualified view of the film’s marketing hook. It singles out Dan Stevens’s casting as the angle under discussion.

Glasby finds the film an entertaining, over-the-top action-horror, though its third act lasts too long. He particularly praises the performances, sharp dialogue, humor, and pulsing synth score.

The critic calls the film a fast-paced, entertaining genre throwback, despite a weaker, illogical third act. They praise Dan Stevens’s magnetic performance and the film’s Carpenter-inspired synth score.

Hughes finds the film an unusually clever, entertaining thriller that rewards viewers who tune into its oddball tone. He particularly praises Dan Stevens’ mesmerising performance and the film’s well-judged music score.

O'Sullivan finds the film compelling and playfully unsettling, though its twists keep the viewer unsure whose side to take. She singles out Dan Stevens's intelligence and charisma as crucial to its success.

Gonzalez finds the film a stylish, entertaining piece of pulp, though it lacks depth and its finale feels like an afterthought. He praises Wingard’s audiovisual flair, especially the way the soundtrack is synchronized with the characters’ shifting emotions.

Harvey calls the film a giddily violent, high-grade treat for genre fans, though its climax and final twist disappoint. He especially praises Dan Stevens’s performance and the film’s cheesy synth-driven grindhouse style.

Smith finds the film muddled at times but consistently entertaining. She praises its gleeful, knowing throwback to 1980s horror-thrillers.

The URL identifies a review of the specified film, but the page content is unavailable. The browser verification screen provides no critic verdict or praise to summarize.

Lowe finds the thriller mixed, with tension that falters and plot strands that feel underdeveloped. He praises Wingard’s controlled visual direction and the filmmakers’ ironic humor.

Jenkins finds the film an underwhelming, hollow genre mash-up that squanders its potential. He criticizes its thin characters and lack of meaningful metaphor, despite the intriguing setup.

Ebiri finds the film entertaining in stretches but ultimately undermined by predictable plotting and poorly executed twists. He praises Dan Stevens’s compellingly insincere performance and the film’s atmospheric aesthetic, especially its Halloween-tunnel setpiece and synth-heavy soundtrack.

Colburn gives the film a strongly positive verdict, calling it a genre masterpiece. He particularly praises Dan Stevens’s disciplined, nuanced performance and the film’s deft balance of nostalgic influences with a modern feel.

The critic calls the film a hugely enjoyable, gripping thriller with strong cult-classic potential. Maika Monroe is singled out for bringing emotional depth and empathy to the story.

The critic finds the film slick, tense, funny and technically sharp, and says Frightfest chose its launch film well. He particularly praises Dan Stevens’s charismatic performance and the inventive, tightly staged action sequences.

Goldberg finds the film an entertaining, gleefully dark Carpenter-style thriller, though its later shift in tone becomes too dark and silly. He singles out Dan Stevens’s charismatic, carefully balanced performance as the film’s greatest strength.

The critic calls the film fun, entertaining, smart, and Wingard and Barrett’s most accomplished effort yet. He especially praises Dan Stevens’s performance and the well-crafted relationships that keep the familiar thriller gripping.

The critic finds the film fresh, fun, and highly entertaining despite a brief loss of playful momentum. They praise its tight script and editing, along with Steve Moore’s catchy synthesizer score.

The review is enthusiastic, though it finds the film’s knowing archness occasionally too forced. It especially praises Dan Stevens’s performance and the film’s playful, inventive use of horror conventions.

Fyvie calls it a slight but highly entertaining ride. He praises Dan Stevens’s wry performance and the film’s cheeky wit.