We open on a woman standing in front of a full-length window in what is obviously a wedding dress. Cut to a closeup of her face, mascara running, hair drenched. It’s raining, and the detuned lens sets the mood to match the delicious rain pour and roaring thunder. Another cut, and we see her feet standing on the ledge of that window, slowly lifting off — she plans to take her life. Before she can commit to her decision, the doorbell rings. And once the door is opened, we’re drawn into a winding road of love and pain.
Stella (Camilla Filippi; the woman in the wedding dress) answers the door to find Giulio (Guido Caprino), a stranger who says he’s rented her guest room. Stella insists that it’s a mistake but eventually lets him stay. The interaction between Stella and Guilio is off. He seems overly comfortable with her as if he knows her. It doesn’t seem as if he’s there to hurt her, and Stella doesn’t appear to be frightened, but the tension in their conversation is enough to command your attention.
When Stella’s estranged husband, Sandro (Edoardo Pesce), shows up, revelations about Guilio are made, secrets exposed, and motivations made clear.
The Guest Room (La Stanza) is a slow-burn psychological thriller that examines the effects of childhood trauma, or so it seems. Once the three enter the scene together, the film shifts into an entirely different space and genre.
Aside from the various twists, the most critical elements of this film lie in the dialogue between the characters. When the thrill begins to dissipate, the film pulls the viewer to the end with the pure emotional turmoil plaguing each character. Here, the film poignantly centers on pain, regret, and acceptance.
The truths uncovered are painful as they sit at the table and bare their soul. Sandro explains to Stella why their relationship couldn’t work, and with complete sincere honesty, says, “You were not asking for love; yours was an order. An obligation.” You can’t help but feel for her, but also him.
From the pouring rain to the detuned lenses to mute the tone of the film, various elements work together to paint the portrait of a perfect storm — something that most families endure at one point or another. The best thing one can do is go into the film and take it in hence why I’m withholding several details to ensure you have the best viewing experience.
The Guest Room offers a new spin on the home invasion. Instead of someone breaking in to steal valuables, the intruder is the consequence of your past decisions. It’s a terrific thriller that spends a great deal of time exploring the nuanced relationships that stain a family and how perspective informs childhood trauma.
The Guest Room is now streaming on various platforms.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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