In this sci-fi action thriller, Damian (Kingsley), an extremely wealthy aristocrat who is dying from cancer, undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the mindless body of a healthy young man (Reynolds).

But all is not as it seems when the rejuvenated Damian starts becoming plagued by disturbing images from a past he was never part of. Taking it upon himself to investigate the body he was given, Damian discovers that it may not have been the empty vessel he was promised, but in actual fact a man with a thriving life and a family to boot.

And now the race is on as a shady organisation that will kill to protect its cause is unearthed in Damian’s search for the truth, and he begins losing control of the body to its original owner’s consciousness – which could erase his very own for good.

It is a premise that has been around for ages: what if you could place your mind into another body and live forever? It’s not exactly a groundbreaking story but it’s still an engaging thriller with some great performances. Ben Kingsley is great as always, and Ryan Reynolds seems to be building a bit of a niche as a desperate man trying to find answers and escape an impossible situation (see also The Captive and Buried). The supporting cast is filled with great character actors too, such as Matthew Goode and Victor Garber who do well with what they’re given.

This is probably not going to become a classic but it’s an entertaining, well executed, and visually fascinating distraction from the director of The Fall. And if you’re going to watch something somewhat forgettable, it’s much more fun with the ANU Film Group crowd!

The Petersons are mourning the loss of their son, Caleb, who died during military service in Iraq. So when a handsome stranger named David turns up on their doorstep, claiming to have served with Caleb overseas, the Petersons welcome him in with open arms.

Only Anna, Caleb’s younger sister, is suspicious of David’s motives. Is he really who he says he is? What exactly does he want? When Anna starts to dig a little deeper into David’s mysterious past, all is not as it seems and her family might actually be in serious danger.

Adam Wingard, who recently directed the not-quite-serious home invasion horror flick You’re Next, carries over that same tongue-in-cheek tone to this quick-paced and beautifully designed action/thriller/horror hybrid. Dan Stevens is suitably charming and creepy as the titular guest, while Maika Monroe (also seen this semester in It Follows) as Anna brings some spunk to the usually thankless Nancy Drew role.

Some excellent action set-pieces and a pounding synth-pop soundtrack only add more value to this relentlessly fun love letter to ’80s action trash.