Celebrated director Atom Egoyan’s cinematic return, Guest of Honour, walks a fine line between captivating and meandering. Like many of Atom’s films, there is A LOT to chew on plot wise. The jigsaw-like story (in which he also wrote) has plenty of intricate layers to it, with the first part setting up some seriously interesting questions. Unfortunately, when all the puzzle pieces fit and we get our answers, the film continues to wander along with no real purpose (and to say it ends on a whimper would be an understatement). There are also some rather uneven performances here. David Thewlis does a truly superb job in his role as a heartbroken and desperate father struggling with his past. Meanwhile, I never quite bought what Laysla De Oliveira was bringing to the screen. Her character’s own heartbreak and torment never really shone through and feeling rather constructed. Also, Luke Wilson made for quite an odd choice as the reverend (he’s given very little to do in the part – just strange). So, while there are plenty of Atom Egoyan’s trademark subtexts, this is one film that will likely leave you only half satisfied with his latest offering.