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. A film by Adam Wingard, starring Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser, Tabatha Shaun, Chase Williamson, Joel David Moore, and Lance Reddick.

Laura Peterson (Sheila Kelley) and her family are still reeling from the loss of their eldest son Caleb, who tragically died in action. As her husband Spencer, heads to work and her son Luke, to school, Laura remains at home with her daughter Anna, resting in her room. Suddenly, a stranger appears at their door. He introduces himself as David (Dan Stevens), and claims to be a close friend of Caleb’s, having served alongside him in the war and trained together.

David’s presence ignites a spark of hope and curiosity in Laura, who welcomes him inside, eager to learn more about the man who shared her son’s journey and sacrifice. David tells her that it was Caleb’s wish before he died that he wanted him to check on his family and tell them that he loves them. After David relays Caleb’s messages, he prepares to leave, but Laura insists that he stay a bit longer to meet with the rest of the family. David meets Anna (Maika Monroe) as she is about to leave for work at a local restaurant.

When Spencer (Leland Orser) returns home and finds out that Laura invited David, a man she barely knew, to stay at their house, he gets frustrated, leading to a small argument between them about whether David should be allowed to stay with their children. Initially, Spencer agrees to let David stay for just one night. However, after sharing some beers and conversation, he insists that David stay for a couple more days.

The next evening, Laura asks David to pick up Luke (Brendan Meyer) from school. There, David learns about the boys who have been bullying Luke. Following their car, David discovers they’re headed to a bar the boys frequent. Witnessing David effortlessly disarm the bullies, Luke becomes deeply impressed and begins to idolize him.

David’s charisma and charm initially enraptures the entire family. However, Anna’s suspicions slowly creep in one day when she overhears David’s hushed phone conversation. His cryptic words about “changing his face” and “people looking for him” send shivers down her spine. Driven by a growing unease, Anna conducts her own quiet investigation and unmasks the truth: David is not who he appears to be.

Directed by American filmmaker Adam Wingard, the film boasts an original script by Simon Barrett, who has a successful history collaborating with the director. Dan Stevens steals the show as the enigmatic guest, his natural good looks masking sinister motives that slowly reveal themselves as the story unfolds, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The GUEST proves to be one of the most memorable thriller films.

The GUEST premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 17 January 2014. The film was theatrically released in the United States on 17 September.