If you’ve seen Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett’s work in films like A Horrible Way to Die, You’re Next and V/H/S, their latest, The Guest, will come as quite the surprise because it’s strikingly different in so many respects. It stars Dan Stevens as David, a guy who shows up at the Peterson family’s door, claiming to be a good friend of their son who died in action. However, soon after welcoming him into their home, there are some mysterious deaths in town and Anna Peterson (Maika Monroe) suspects they might be connected to David.
The Guest does have a fair amount of bloodshed and loads of suspense, but this one’s much more of an action thriller than a horror movie and that was the focus of some of the conversation at The Guest’s Q&A at Sundance NEXT FEST. Wingard and Barrett sat down to field some questions from moderator Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) and the audience, and we’ve got an exclusive look at highlights from the discussion. Hit the jump to watch The Guest clip and hear what Wingard and Barrett had to say about making the switch to more action-heavy material, choosing music for the film and why they had to redo their big car crash. The Guest invades theaters this Wednesday.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Guest:
A soldier (Dan Stevens) 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.
