Usually when we deal with other people we assume they are good people. If someone approaches you with a friendly smile and is nice to be around you will quickly trust that person. When David (Dan Stevens) knocks on the door of the Peterson family he comes across as a very charming man. He tells them he was a soldier who fought together with their son, who died while serving. David promised him that he’d visit his family and give them his final message if he would pass away. From the moment David arrives though some very shocking events start taking place.
Director Adam Wingard, who mainly made horror before this movie, succeeds in creating an amazing thriller. He masterfully builds tension by first making you feel comfortable, but slowly makes you doubt the intentions David has. An almost absurd role convincingly played by Dan Stevens. Another actrice who stands out is Maika Monroe as teenage daughter Anna, who initially is very hostile towards David, but slowly starts to fall for him.
It’s clear that Wingard is a fan of eighties movies. It’s something which you don’t only notice through its soundtrack, but the movie itself feels like its made in that era. The ending of the movie is exciting and extreme, without ever feeling cheesy. Everything about this fantastic thriller is just right (with fun action and various WTF moments) and therefore is one you shouldn’t miss.
I am so glad to see that we are on the same page with this movie! I absolutely freaking adored it and everything that went into it. It was damn near perfect – shot well, great score, plenty of fun… and Dan Stevens? Yes, please!
Exactly…everything simply worked perfectly. Agree completely 🙂