The Guest

　　Today, there are only a few films where plot twists can truly surprise the seasoned viewers. This one, however, has several. Therefore we can’t tell you much else about the story of this exceptional film that a daughter brings home a likeable boyfriend to introduce him to her parents. And that an extremely interesting discussion over Islam develops between the guest and the girl’s learned father. However, what we can tell you is that this film full of comical elements which poses as an intellectual drama evolves into a true thriller the likes of which even Roman Polanski would probably envy. And the process of getting that far is pure pleasure.
　　Actors play an extraordinarily big part in the success of this time, place and action specific work of cinematic art. The film gives us superb roles by Egyptian starts, particularly Khaled Elsawy who plays the jovial scholar who occasionally fibs in order to watch a Real Madrid and Barcelona football game in the back room, as well as Ahmed Malek who plays the guest. The friends of PÖFF should remember him from "Sheikh Jackson" which Egypt submitted for the Best Foreign Language Film Award last year.
　　The same could happen to "The Guest" this year. And we wouldn’t be surprised if it got even further.
　　Tiit Tuumalu