The Guest 2014
Made by
Picturehouse
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Guest (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
After experiencing the devastating loss of their eldest son Caleb in the Afghanistan war, the Peterson family—consisting of the father Spencer Peterson, mother Laura Peterson, and their children Luke and Anna—find themselves unexpectedly visited by David Collins, who claims to be Caleb’s former soldier comrade and best friend. He presents himself as the bearer of both good intentions and past memories, asserting that he was by Caleb’s side when he perished and that Caleb explicitly asked him to keep an eye on his family. David even goes as far as identifying himself in a family photograph taken in Afghanistan.
Expressing his warmth and friendliness, David reveals that he has recently returned from a long hospital stay due to an injury sustained in service, and he plans to lodge at a nearby motel. However, Laura, out of kindness, opens the doors of their home to him for as long as necessary. Meanwhile, Anna is seen grappling with troublesome patrons at her late-night diner job, while Luke is victimized by bullying jocks at school. When David learns of these troubles, he quickly steps in to assist Luke with his math homework, and their bond begins to grow.
The next day, David channels his protective instincts toward Luke by confronting the bullies at a bar, which culminates in a heated altercation that leaves them injured. Demonstrating his impressive knowledge of the law, David manages to convince the bartender to keep the incident under wraps. At a party, he unexpectedly comes to the rescue of Kristen, a friend of Anna’s, from an aggressive ex-boyfriend. The night takes a more intimate turn when Kristen ends up spending the night with David, while he expresses an interest in obtaining firearms during a conversation with Anna’s friend Craig.
As David begins to take on a more active role in the family’s life, he gifts Luke a butterfly knife and teaches him self-defense techniques. However, behind the facade of helpfulness lies deeper, darker intentions. Anna grows suspicious of David’s true identity and makes a fateful call to the military, discovering that the real David Collins died in a fiery explosion at a military hospital—where the falsely identified David had claimed to be recovering.
As tensions rise in the house, a shadowy special forces team led by Major Carver tracks David to the Peterson home. In the resulting chaos, David’s true nature is revealed; he ruthlessly murders both Laura and Spencer in an effort to cover his tracks. Carver informs Anna of her parents’ deaths and unravels the truth about David: a failed military experiment turned killer.
The story spirals into a heart-pounding conclusion. David targets the school to eliminate witnesses, while a Halloween dance becomes the backdrop for an explosive confrontation. With the stakes apocalyptically high, a chilling sequence of events unfolds as Anna and Luke band together for survival. When it seems like the nightmare is finally over, David’s sinister presence looms large, leaving Anna and Luke to question how far they will go to escape his grasp and whether they can truly be free from the horrors he represents.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Guest (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Caleb's Death
The Peterson family suffers a tragic loss as their eldest son, Caleb, is killed in the Afghanistan war. This event sets the somber tone for the family's struggles and their subsequent interactions with David Collins.
David Collins Arrives
The family is unexpectedly visited by David Collins, who claims to be a friend of Caleb from the war. He presents himself as someone who wants to help the family and makes a convincing case by referring to memories shared with Caleb.
David Moves In
Out of kindness, Laura Peterson invites David to stay with them instead of lodging at a motel. This decision marks the beginning of David's growing influence over the family's life.
Luke's Struggles
While Luke struggles with bullying at school, David steps in to help him with his math homework. This initiates a bond between David and Luke, and David's protective instincts start to surface.
Confronting the Bullies
In an effort to protect Luke, David confronts the bullies at a bar, resulting in a violent encounter. His ability to manipulate the situation keeps the incident under wraps, showcasing his troubling nature.
Rescue at the Party
At a party, David protects Kristen, Anna's friend, from an aggressive ex-boyfriend. This act of bravery further cements David's role as a protector, though his intentions remain questionable.
Gift of Danger
David gives Luke a butterfly knife and begins teaching him self-defense techniques. Although presented as helpful, this gesture raises red flags about David's true intentions and the potentially dangerous influence he holds.
Anna's Investigation
Suspicious of David, Anna conducts her own investigation and discovers that the real David Collins died in an explosion at a military hospital. This revelation marks a significant turning point in her perception of him.
Major Carver's Arrival
As tensions rise, a special forces team led by Major Carver tracks David to the Peterson home. This increases the stakes and reveals the impending danger surrounding the family.
Tragic Loss
In a shocking turn of events, David murders Laura and Spencer to cover his tracks. This brutal act reveals his true nature as a threat to the remaining family members.
Anna Learns the Truth
Major Carver informs Anna of her parents' deaths and the true identity of David. This pivotal moment leads Anna to understand the full extent of the danger they face from him.
David's Final Plan
David plots to target the school to eliminate any witnesses to his crimes. This sinister plan intensifies the urgency for Anna and Luke to escape from his grasp.
Halloween Dance Showdown
The drama culminates during a Halloween dance, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation between Anna, Luke, and David. The crowded event becomes a scene of chaos and survival against the backdrop of a festive occasion.
Survival Instincts
Anna and Luke join forces to survive David's wrath, utilizing everything they have learned and their bond as siblings. This final act of resistance is critical to their attempt to escape the horrors David represents.
Questioning Freedom
In the aftermath of their ordeal, Anna and Luke are left wondering how far they will go to ensure their freedom from David's lingering presence. The haunting question remains whether they can truly escape the shadows of their traumatic experience.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Guest (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
David Collins (Dan Stevens)
Initially presented as a charming and protective figure, David Collins gradually reveals his dark and sinister side. His manipulative behavior exploits the Peterson family's trauma, showcasing traits of intelligence and ruthlessness. The character embodies a facade of camaraderie while hiding his true intentions.
Anna Peterson (Maika Monroe)
Anna is a resilient young woman navigating the pressures of adolescence while dealing with her family's deep grief. As suspicions about David arise, she evolves from a vulnerable state to that of a determined survivor. Her character highlights the instincts of self-preservation when faced with danger.
Luke Peterson (Brendan Meyer)
Luke is a sensitive and impressionable young boy who looks up to David as a mentor figure. His character illustrates the vulnerability of youth and the significance of role models, particularly in the wake of loss. Luke's journey is marked by moments of self-discovery and courage.
Laura Peterson (Sheila Kelley)
Laura, the grieving mother, displays warmth and kindness but struggles with her family's trauma. Her openness to David complicates her journey, revealing the tension between compassion and vigilance. Laura's character embodies the nurturing aspect of motherhood amid tragedy.
Spencer Peterson (Leland Orser)
Spencer is a father grappling with the loss of his son, embodying confusion and despair. His protective instincts for his family are challenged by the presence of David, leading to conflict and ultimately tragedy. His character reflects the struggles of a man facing insurmountable grief.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Guest (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film occurs in a contemporary setting, where modern family dynamics clash with themes of grief and trust. The story unfolds in a present-day environment, reflecting current societal issues regarding war and its impact on families.
Location
Peterson family home, Afghanistan, local diner, bar, school
The Peterson family home serves as the emotional core of the film, where the family struggles with grief and manipulation. Afghanistan is depicted through memories, representing loss and sacrifice in the face of war. Various local establishments like the diner and bar highlight the struggles of Anna and Luke, illustrating their everyday lives intertwined with escalating danger.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Guest (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Grief
The theme of grief permeates the film as the Peterson family copes with the loss of their son, Caleb. This trauma creates a fragile environment where vulnerability is exploited by David. The narrative examines the consequences of unresolved emotions and the effects of tragedy on familial bonds.
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Deception
Deception plays a pivotal role as David Collins infiltrates the Peterson family's life under false pretenses. His charm masks darker intentions, challenging the family's ability to trust. The narrative explores the facade of safety that can be manipulated, leading to catastrophic consequences.
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Survival
Survival becomes a crucial theme as Anna and Luke confront the sinister reality of David's presence. The escalating tension forces them to band together against a formidable threat, highlighting the lengths one will go to protect family. This theme is echoed in the film’s climactic confrontations and their struggle to escape.
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