Is The Guest Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Guest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Guest Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2014, The Guest emerges as a significant entry in the Mystery, Thriller, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. Unlike standard genre fare, The Guest attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Guest features a noteworthy lineup led by Dan Stevens . Supported by the likes of Maika Monroe and Brendan Meyer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Guest (2014) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Guest Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Guest is a Mystery, Thriller, Action film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Guest Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Guest concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Guest reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Guest?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Guest Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Guest Budget
The estimated production budget for The Guest is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Guest
- Dan Stevens – "David"
- Maika Monroe – Anna Peterson
- Brendan Meyer – Luke Peterson
- Sheila Kelley – Laura Peterson
- Leland Orser – Spencer Peterson
Top Highlights
Dan Stevens"David"
Maika MonroeAnna Peterson
Brendan MeyerLuke Peterson
Sheila KelleyLaura Peterson
Leland OrserSpencer Peterson
Lance ReddickMajor Carver
Joel David MooreCraig
Ethan EmbryHiggins
Tabatha ShaunKristen
AJ BowenAustin
Where to Watch The Guest Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
AMC+ Amazon Channel
Philo
Shudder
Shudder Amazon Channel
Darkroom
Shudder Apple TV Channel🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Guest is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Guest stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2014 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Guest movie hit or flop?
The Guest has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Guest worth watching?
The Guest is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Mystery, Thriller, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Guest online?
The Guest is currently available for streaming on AMC+ Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like AMC+ Amazon Channel, Philo, Shudder, Shudder Amazon Channel, Darkroom, Shudder Apple TV Channel depending on your region.
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How The Guest Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Guest
In terms of tone and pacing, _The Guest_ is a little bit all over the place. But in terms of plot, script, narrative, acting, setting, score, soundtrack, characters, intrigue, effects, humour, rewatchability, entertainment value and originality? Yeah. Pretty much nails it. _Final rating:★★★★ - An all round good movie with a little something extra._
'The Guest' is a surprisingly fun throwback to 1980s horror. It boasts a thumping soundtrack and quick cuts that really fit into the theme of the film. The exaggerated scenes of violence and gore may be a bit too strange for those who do not appreciate the sentimentality and nostalgia of the movie. The narrative is very straightforward and follows Dan Stevens, an ex-soldier, as he returns to his friend's family's house as a dying wish. He protects and helps them through their individual problems but all is not what it seems. The film does lose it's way slightly towards the end as it tries to drastically remind audiences that the film is meant to be over-the-top when it was already doing a subtly good job. Dan Stevens is very good in the main role. From the trailer, it looked like it would be a rip-off of Nicolas Winding Refn's 'Drive' but Stevens adds a very unique coldness to his powerful persona. ★★★½
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
