Film of the Day: "Guest" — a film where the monster simply stares at you. That's enough

Contents:
In this horror film, you're not sure who's scarier — the creature without eyelids or the main character herself.

"Guest" is a horror short film by Finn Callan that manages to pack more emotional punch into 11 minutes than many feature-length horror movies.

What the film is about

The main character, Mary, wakes up in a stranger's house with injuries. She remembers that during the night, she tried to escape from a strange creature without eyelids that was stalking her everywhere. Hiding in the bathroom, the girl, driven mad by fear, horrifically deprives herself of sight and hearing. But this doesn't help her get rid of the Guest's presence.

Viewing impressions

The film is made with cold calculation: everything is built on the feeling of inevitability and the presence of something inexplicable.
Close-up of an eye and a woman covering her mouth with her hands
Poster and frame from the film "Guest"
Source:
Special attention goes to the visuals. The monster simultaneously evokes horror and pity, and the entire story, as you later realize, might not be about the supernatural at all, but about psychological trauma. Or is it? Callan doesn't give definitive answers, leaving the viewer in a suspended state — as if you yourself were next to this Guest for a couple of seconds.

Critics and audience reaction

On IMDb, the film has a modest 5.8 out of 10 — and perhaps unfairly so. Critics praise "Guest" for its atmosphere, cinematography, and acting, while viewers call it "a real little nightmare."

A user with the handle emilhagberg-84632 wrote in their review:
The Guest is so creepy! I wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley. This short film isn't a masterpiece, but it's worth watching! I recommend watching it alone in a dark room.
IMDb user emilhagberg-84632
Like the short film's creator, I recommend watching this horror alone with the lights off. This will help you fully experience the main character's ordeal and, of course, get a little scared (that's why we watch these films, right?) Earlier on zoomboola.com, we told you about the film "The Backrooms" — a horror movie shot by a teenager that outshined Hollywood.