The Guest

Still coming to terms with the death of their son, Caleb, lost in combat in Afghanistan, the Peterson family receive a visit from David Collins, a fellow soldier who knew their son.

Having made a promise to their son that he would look out for them, when their youngest son, Luke, comes home with a black eye from the school bully, David uses his combat training to teach the bully a lesson. Likewise, when their daughter Anna's (Maika Munroe) friend is attacked by an ex while David is accompanying her, he comes to the rescue. The family are grateful, especially Mrs Peterson (Sheila Kelley), but Anna, having witnessed the damage David can inflict, calls his base to check on him. When they inform her that he died the week before, she knows that all is not what it seems and her family could be in the greatest danger.

This film is a suspenseful mystery thriller, but what else would you expect from the director who cut his teeth (and won numerous film festivals across the globe) making V/H/S and You're Next. Adam Wingard is on fine form and taking all his expertise in racketing up the tension into a new genre, and uses up-and-coming Maika Munroe to her full potential. Even Rotten Tomatoes thinks the film boasts enough intelligence to bolster its darkly violent thrills. Certainly one you don't want to miss!

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall