| Guest 2 | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Finn Callan |
| Screenplay by | Finn Callan |
| Based on | Characters by Finn Callan |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Fyodor Houtheusen |
| Edited by | Trifa Keedo |
| Music by | Simon Petersson Holm |
Production companies |
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Release dates | |
Running time | 40 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Guest 2 is a 2023 British psychological horror short film directed, produced and written by Finn Callan. The film is a sequel to the 2020 short film Guest. It stars Jennifer English as Jill who finds herself in the midst of a crowded mental health support group and discovers that an attendee played by Natasha Biggs is being stalked by a supernatural creature known as The Guest, that also stalks her brother, played by Simon Bigg. The film also stars Jessica Munna and Anna Fraser reprising their roles from the first film. The film premiered on the Chilling streaming service on 22 September 2023 before being uploaded publicly on YouTube on 24 November 2023.
Guest 2 was received very positively by critics upon release, praising the film's screenplay, direction, performances (particular English), cinematography and emotional weight, with many considering it an improvement upon it's predecessor.
Plot
editJill, a lonely, embittered alcoholic, is frustrated with her emotionally distant brother Ethan who refuses to leave his room. One day, she becomes agitated at having to cover for him at his job. She scolds him before she leaves, just as a frightening creature known as The Guest emerges from his bedroom. Jill discovers that Ethan's "job" turns out to be supervising an overcrowded mental wellness support group. Angela (the group's primary organizer) thanks her for coming in and then explains that Ethan comes in to listen to their stories. Jill attempts to leave but then discovers a young woman crying in the kitchen named Mia. Jill contemplates leaving her, but then brings Mia out to the group, to discuss her problems. Mia is reluctant, but eventually agrees to share her story.
In a flashback sequence, Mia paces in her apartment and desperately begins calling estranged friends to diminish her loneliness. Eventually an old friend of Mia agrees to meet her at a cafe but her friend never arrives. Later that evening her friend calls Mia to apologize. Mia rejects her apology and begins scolding herself, which escalates rapidly until Mia begins having a mental breakdown. While this is happening, The Guest appears behind Mia and reaches for her. She escapes into the kitchen and begins hitting herself and squeezing ice cubes. Mia then notices that The Guest has reappeared and slams her head against the counter.
In the present, Jill comforts Mia after she reveals having thoughts about "giving up" and takes her out for a coffee where they strike up a romantic connection. Rejuvenated, Jill returns home with the intention of apologising to Ethan for her outburst that morning but is horrified to discover his corpse in his bedroom. The next morning Mia arrives and attempts to comfort Jill as she downs an entire bottle of whiskey, blaming herself for his death. It is then revealed that The Guest is watching silently from the hallway.
In the past, Ethan narrowly dodges being scolded by Jill and locks himself in his bedroom. He then turns around to see The Guest and tearfully begs for its understanding as he reveals alcohol and a box of drugs hidden under his bed. The Guest then places its hand on Ethan's shoulder. Ethan tries to resist but eventually yields and hugs it. The next evening, The Guest watches Jill from the shadows as she discover's Ethan's corpse. As Jill sobs, The Guest looks away, visibly upset.
Cast
edit- Jennifer English as Jill
- Natasha Biggs as Mia
- Simon Bigg as Ethan
- Jessica Munna as Ethan
- Anna Fraser as The Guest
Development and Production
editCallan write and directed a sequel to Guest, which was financed by Chilling, a horror relaxation app. Anna Fraser will return as The Guest in the sequel, with Simon Bigg also being cast. He also stated that he planned for the film to be around twice the length of its Guest.[1]
Reception
editThe shor
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References
edit- ^ Gelmini, David (November 30, 2022). "Director Finn Callan Talks His Viral Hit 'Guest' And Its Upcoming Sequel [Exclusive Interview]". Dread Central. Retrieved December 4, 2022.