The Guest is a fast, furious, preposterous thriller of the kind that you can only pull off if everyone involved in its creation and consumption approaches it without an ounce of cynicism. Barry, Way and the high-calibre cast hold up their end of the bargain, delivering bags of propulsive plot. Viewers must hold up theirs via uncritical acceptance of the multiple twists, and bring along enough metaphorical or actual popcorn for the ride.

Thus will happiness ensue as we embark on the tale of young have-not Ria (Gabrielle Creevy, in a really fine performance that does much to prevent the whole thing flying off the rails). She is working as a cleaner for various horrible people who fire her as soon as someone cheaper comes along (“If you’re going to be funny about it, let’s just call it a day, shall we?”), supporting Lee (Sion Daniel Young), the deadbeat boyfriend she has had since school, and stealing food so she can pay their rent on a grim illegal sublet while he complains about the lack of jobs. Into this unrewarding life arrives Fran (Eve Myles), a rich, self-made businesswoman and apparent fairy godmother.

She offers Ria a four-day-a-week cleaning job at her luxurious mansion for decent wages and gives her inspirational speeches, which stir the longings and ambitions in Ria that have lain dormant since her mother died while Ria was still at school.