If the trailer for Adam Wingard's upcoming Onslaught left you hungry for more genre-bending chaos, you're not alone. But before that film hits theaters, there's a forgotten gem that deserves a rewatch: The Guest, the 2014 cult thriller that pairs Wingard with screenwriter Simon Barrett and star Dan Stevens in a role that's equal parts charming and terrifying. Think of it as a spiritual appetizer for the main course.
What Is 'The Guest' About?
The film follows the Peterson family—siblings Luke (Brendan Meyer) and Anna (Maika Monroe), along with their parents (Sheila Kelley and Leland Orser)—as they grieve the death of their soldier son Caleb. Enter David (Dan Stevens), a mysterious, affable friend of Caleb's who offers to help the family in any way he can. That help, it turns out, sometimes involves guns, knives, and a whole lot of mayhem. What starts as a heartwarming visit quickly unravels into a tense, action-packed thriller that keeps you guessing whose side you're on.
Dan Stevens Steals the Show
Stevens, best known at the time for Downton Abbey, delivers a performance that's nothing short of electric. His David is a psychopathic killer who's so disarmingly likable that you almost root for him—even as he dispatches enemies with ruthless efficiency. He calls strangers "sir" and "ma'am," takes a hit off a joint at a party, and carries himself with a cool Kentucky drawl. It's a masterclass in playing a monster you can't help but love. As one of the most underrated thrillers of the 2010s, The Guest belongs on any list of thrillers that never let go.
A Stylistic Crossroads for Wingard
The Guest sits at a fascinating midpoint in Wingard's filmography. Coming off the horror hit You're Next, he and Barrett blended horror with action in a way that feels fresh even today. The film's tension is more psychological than jump-scare-driven, and its action sequences—particularly a standout set piece—play like something out of John Wick rather than a slasher. Wingard himself has said the goal was to try something beyond pure horror, and the result is a genre fusion that's both stylish and smart. For fans of sci-fi thrillers with a paranoid edge, this one hits the mark.
How 'Onslaught' Connects to 'The Guest'
Now, with Onslaught on the horizon, Stevens is reuniting with Wingard and Barrett for a third collaboration. While not a direct sequel, Stevens has described it as a spiritual successor: "It's not a sequel to The Guest, but it is very much, if you liked The Guest, you're probably going to like Onslaught. And it's very much in the same universe of super soldiers gone bad." The trailer hints at similar DNA—a western aesthetic (both films were shot in New Mexico), a B-movie tone, and unstoppable killing machines in the form of advanced soldiers. Even the Halloween setting seems to carry over, with star Adria Arjona using jack-o'-lanterns for target practice. It's the kind of connective tissue that makes crime thrillers with a supernatural twist so compelling.
Why You Should Rewatch 'The Guest' Now
The Guest belongs to that rare category of movies that few people talk about, but those who do absolutely love. It's a fun, tongue-in-cheek action-thriller that showcases Wingard's stylistic direction and Barrett's grounded, humor-infused writing—without ever winking at the camera. As we await Onslaught, there's no better time to revisit this cult classic and see where the super-soldier saga began. Trust us: you'll never look at Dan Stevens the same way again.
