The Guest
Performance & Direction: The Guest Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Guest (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Guest
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, The Guest is a Mystery, Thriller, Action film directed by Adam Wingard. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dan Stevens.
Story Breakdown
The title 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 title 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. Dan Stevens's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Guest
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Adam Wingard, 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 involving Dan Stevens, 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 Dan Stevens or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Guest
| 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.
Top Cast: The Guest
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Where to Watch The Guest Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Guest Parents Guide & Age Rating
2014 AdvisoryWondering about The Guest age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Guest is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Guest is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Guest worth watching?
The Guest is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Guest parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Guest identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Guest?
The total duration of The Guest is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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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
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
