El huésped

Synopsis

El huésped, released in 2003 and directed by Humberto Gallardo, follows the story of three friends who, after a night of revelry, unwittingly invite chaos into their lives when they welcome a mysterious stranger into their home. As the days pass, the lighthearted gatherings take a dark turn, revealing buried secrets and latent fears among the group. Each character’s psyche unravels as tensions rise and trust begins to erode. The film distinctly captures the essence of friendship and betrayal while delving into themes of guilt, paranoia, and the unforeseen consequences of our choices. With suspenseful storytelling and an atmospheric setting, El huésped offers a gripping exploration of how inviting someone into your life can lead to unexpected and often disastrous results. The film’s tense atmosphere is punctuated by thought-provoking dialogue and strong performances, leaving the audience captivated until the very end.

Cast

• Humberto Gallardo

  Dr. Urrutia

• Yerko Farías

  Creature

• 

  Iñigo Urrutia

  Diego

• 

  Guido Vecchiola

  Jean Franco

• 

  Erto Pantoja

  Dr. Hidalgo

• 

  Jaime Vadell

  Dr. Bruzzone

Reviews

Critics have had mixed reviews for El huésped, with some praising its atmospheric tension and character exploration, while others have found fault with its execution. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 4.8/10, indicating a divide in viewer satisfaction. One reviewer commented, 'While the premise shows promise, the narrative falters under the weight of its ambitions.' The film, according to 'Rotten Tomatoes,' where it has not achieved acceptance, struggled to resonate with audiences, with critics noting, 'El huésped lacks a cohesive storyline, leaving viewers more confused than entertained.' However, a few have acknowledged its strong performances, stating, 'The cast delivers convincingly, creating moments of genuine intrigue.' Notably, 'Metacritic' reflected a similar sentiment with scores indicating mixed or average reviews. '[The film] has its moments of intrigue, but overall it doesn't follow through on its captivating premise,' one critic pointed out. While El huésped has been described as a daring attempt at psychological horror, it seems to fall short of the high expectations set by its premise, making it a film that is as polarizing as it is intriguing.