The Guest

Main Plot

"The Guest," directed by Adam Wingard, follows the Peterson family as they grieve the loss of their son, Caleb, who died in combat. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a charming and polite soldier named David Collins arrives, claiming to be a close friend of Caleb. He says he promised Caleb he would look after the family. Initially, David's presence is a comfort, and he quickly becomes a helpful and protective figure. However, as a series of violent and mysterious events unfold, the family begins to suspect that David may not be who he claims to be. Tensions escalate as they uncover disturbing truths about his past, leading to a suspenseful and action-packed confrontation. The film blends elements of thriller, horror, and dark humor, keeping viewers on edge as the true nature of David's intentions is revealed.

Characters

• Dan Stevens plays David, a mysterious soldier who visits a grieving family, claiming to be a friend of their deceased son. His presence soon leads to a series of violent events.
• Sheila Kelley plays Dorothea, a grieving mother whose son died in combat. Her character's vulnerability and hospitality drive the tension and mystery surrounding the enigmatic guest.
• Maika Monroe plays Anna Peterson, who becomes suspicious of a mysterious guest claiming to be a friend of her deceased brother, uncovering his dangerous secrets.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "The Guest," directed by Adam Wingard, the film reaches a tense and climactic resolution. The protagonist, David, who initially appears as a charming and helpful guest to the Peterson family, is revealed to be a dangerous and highly trained government experiment gone rogue. As the truth about his identity and the trail of deaths he leaves behind come to light, the Peterson siblings, Anna and Luke, confront him in a final showdown. The climax takes place in a Halloween-themed high school gymnasium, where David, now fully embracing his lethal nature, engages in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with Anna and Luke. Despite his formidable skills, Anna manages to stab David, and Luke shoots him multiple times, seemingly killing him. However, in the film's final moments, as emergency responders arrive, it is revealed that David has survived and escaped, disguised as a firefighter. The film ends on an unsettling note, with Anna realizing that David is still alive, leaving the audience with a sense of unresolved tension and the implication that David remains a looming threat.