Watch Guest of Honour

Guest of Honour is a Canadian drama film directed by Atom Egoyan and starring Laysla De Oliveira, Luke Wilson, and David Thewlis. The movie is a complex exploration of relationships, guilt, and redemption, and it tells the story of a father and daughter whose lives are turned upside down after a tragic incident. The movie follows the story of Veronica (Laysla De Oliveira), a young music teacher who is trying to come to terms with the consequences of her father's imprisonment. Jim (David Thewlis) is a food inspector who has been arrested for corruption, and Veronica is convinced that he is innocent. As she tries to unravel the truth about her father's case, she also struggles to deal with her own demons and secrets.

Luke Wilson plays the role of Mike, a local priest who Veronica approaches for help. Mike is initially hesitant to get involved, but he eventually agrees to help her with her father's case. As Mike starts to dig deeper into Jim's past, he discovers that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.

The movie is not told in a linear fashion, but rather in a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards that add depth to the characters and their relationship. We see glimpses of Veronica's troubled childhood and her strained relationship with her father, which helps us understand why she is so determined to clear his name. We also learn about Mike's own struggles and his relationship with his sister, who he believes is unfairly punished for a crime she did not commit.

One of the central themes of the movie is guilt and the different ways people deal with it. Jim is consumed with guilt over a tragic accident that happened years ago, and he is convinced that he deserves to be punished. Veronica carries guilt for her own mistakes and for not being able to save her father from his current predicament. Mike feels guilty for not being able to help his sister and for the doubts he has about his own faith.

The movie also explores the notion of redemption and whether it is possible to be redeemed for past mistakes. As the characters navigate their way through the complexities of their relationships and the legal system, they all struggle with the idea of forgiveness and whether it is truly attainable.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, with Laysla De Oliveira delivering a standout performance as Veronica. She brings a raw vulnerability to the role that makes her character both sympathetic and relatable. David Thewlis is equally impressive as Jim, portraying a man who is haunted by his past and desperate to make amends. Luke Wilson provides a grounded and nuanced performance as Mike, and he manages to bring a quiet strength to the character despite his own doubts and insecurities.

Another notable aspect of the movie is its use of music, which plays a significant role in the story. Veronica is a music teacher, and her passion for music is evident throughout the movie. The soundtrack features a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, and the music is often used to underscore the emotional beats of the story.

In conclusion, Guest of Honour is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that deals with complex themes in an intelligent and nuanced way. The performances are outstanding, and Atom Egoyan's direction keeps the audience engaged and invested in the story. If you're looking for a movie that will challenge you and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, this is definitely one to check out.

Guest of Honour is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 53.