Writer/Director Atom Egoyan has had a roller coaster of a career. He thrust his unique vison on the screen in his early days, with films like Exotica and made the modern masterpiece The Sweet Hereafter. Since then, his films have wandered wildly in quality, with none coming close to matching the quality of his early work. His latest film, GUEST OF HONOUR, won't please everyone looking for his "return to form." However, it is his best film in years, with strong performances and a twisty plot that keeps you engaged throughout.
David Thewlis stars as Jim, a stern health and safety inspector who, as we find out in the opening moments of the film, has just passed. We find this out through daughter Veronica (Laysla De Oliveria), as she speaks to a Priest named Father Greg (Luke Wilson) about his last wishes. From there we jump forward and back throughout time, seeing Jim be a stern, but often compassionate inspector inside of restaurants, holding all accountable for problems and issues, yet he often grows soft when a compassionate plea comes his way. He seems to have been a loving father, but it's clear that Veronica holds him at arm's length, even in death. The twisty plot takes off from there, revealing many bombshells of their life, such as Veronica's imprisonment, a scandal at a school and an affair that may or may not have happened. Veronica's childhood rabbit is also a crucial, and important, part of this interweaving plot, and Egoyan handles all of the loose ends with ease.
Thewlis shines with his understated performance and Laysla De Oliveria is a dynamite force to be reckoned with. Neither character ever go for a stereotype or caricature. They both deliver haunting, lived in performances that draw you in with each new revelation. Although the film never quite captures the stunning awesomeness of The Sweet Hereafter, it's mountains above his biggest misfire Where the Truth Lies. Egoyan has crafted a lovely, small film full of delicate emotion and painful regret, and one that puts him back in the direction of filmmaking we all have longed for him to return to.
GRADE: B
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Atom Egoyan STARRING David Thewlis, Laysla De Oliveria, Luke Wilson, Rossif Sutherland, Arsinée Khanjian, Gage Munroe. Now available in Virtual Cinemas.