It didn’t enjoy spectacular distribution upon its original release in 2011, but The Perfect Host, which screened at Sundance to good acclaim, has made a name for itself among film lovers. The film offers viewers a refreshing movie that combines dark comedy with a pure situational thriller.
What’s it about?
After robbing a bank, John Taylor looks for a place to hide when, wounded, he tries to avoid arrest by the police. After several attempts, Taylor ends up at the home of the enigmatic Warwick Wilson, who is putting the finishing touches on a very exclusive dinner party with friends, expected to be attended by important city officials. The meeting between these two characters will cause sparks to fly. But we won’t go into the concept any further.
The Cast
The Perfect Host focuses its attention on two main characters, surrounded by a few secondary characters who are not very important in terms of the plot. This focuses both the viewer and the camera on David Hyde Pierce and Clayne Crawford, the main characters. David Hyde Pierce is a comedy actor who has excelled both on television and in theater.
At 52 when he appeared in this movie, his face was recognizable worldwide thanks to his long stint on the television series Frasier, where he played Niles Crane, the protagonist’s brother. This role has opened many doors for him and garnered fans around the world thanks to a funny, insightful, and meticulously detailed performance that clearly demonstrates his professionalism in front of the camera. His appearance in The Perfect Host is an acting gift for his fans, who are treated to a performance that incorporates a bit of the actor’s best, even with some reminiscences of the more uncontrolled Niles from the famous and aforementioned series. His work in this film is what gives it intensity, and the scenes where his character has the opportunity to “keep up the pace,” so to speak, are truly unforgettable.
He’s also kept in tune with the actor Clayne Crawford, who has one of those familiar faces even though, in the time, we haven’t seen him as much as we think. Before, he appeared in television series such as 24 and The Glades, and although he has a cross between Ray Liotta and Jack Black, the actor has no ties to those actors. Beyond this, he stands out with a solid performance that knows how to take his character from one emotional state to another, ensuring that the broad spotlight that David Hyde Pierce so deservedly captures doesn’t forget his presence.
The Movie
To understand the film and its concept, there’s a mystery that shouldn’t be revealed, and the viewer has to discover it suddenly. This creates a specific spin on the entire story, giving the plot a new dimension. And we won’t say that. But it must be noted that thanks to this approach, The Perfect Host is an outstanding film, one that manages to surprise and keep the viewer irremediably interested from beginning to end. The script is good and surprises scene after scene, due to the shocking nature of some of the situations the protagonists find themselves in.
But beyond this, the surprise is combined with top-quality characterization, where David Hyde Pierce overwhelmingly devours his co-star. The film’s development relies on this actor’s performance to be impactful enough to keep the pace smooth, and it more than achieves this. Once we reach the film’s conclusion, where the cards are on the table and we have a complete idea of what’s happening around the two characters, the film focuses on wrapping up the story and leaving the viewer with a positive feeling. The ending, no less ingenious than the entire film, manages to please and maintain the sense of fun that has been conveyed throughout.
Conclusion
The Perfect Host is based on one of those original scripts that initially surprise with how fresh they seem and the great potential they hold. The curious thing, and the best of all, is that the plot’s potential is fully realized from beginning to end, with very well-developed characters and a protagonist who quickly draws the viewer into each scene.
It’s a unique film, a dark comedy seasoned within the thriller genre, and which has a bit of everything to make the story efficient in terms of all the points of view it presents. But at the same time, it’s a good demonstration of why actor David Hyde Pierce should have more opportunities to shine in the world of cinema. On the other hand, the film borders on the bizarre at times, and combines light flashbacks to place the viewer in the scene, achieving a more than adequate pace in which the action doesn’t slow down or suffer from the surprises it incorporates.
