Directed by: Rob Savage
Starring: Haley Bishop, Radina Drandova, Edward Linard, Jemma Moore, Caroline Ward and Emma Louise Webb
Written by: Rob Savage, Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd
Runtime: 56 min
Rating: N/A
Our Rating: ★★★★
RARELY, a horror movie actually manages to scare. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I watched a horror film and had a proper scare. These days I watch horror films strictly for the entertainment value. And, then in walks figuratively speaking that is – Host. I have to admit I was not expecting too much, if anything I thought I would get some down right great snark material. But, Rob Savage and this cast/crew pulled a fast one on me, they managed to make a downright fun, entertaining and scary movie.
Host is the story of six friends who hire a medium to hold a séance over Zoom during lockdown, but they get far more than they bargain for as things quickly go wrong. When an evil spirit starts invading their homes, they begin to realize they might not survive the night.
The film stars Haley Bishop (Deep State), Radina Drandova (Dawn of the Deaf), Edward Linard (The Rebels), Jemma Moore (Doom: Annihilation), Caroline Ward (Stalling It) and Emma Louise Webb (The Crown), who also operated their own cameras, helped pull off their own practical effects, and lit their own scenes.
As many of the readers of this site know, I really fancy a good old fashioned ghost story. So, the idea of a film about a séance over Zoom gave the me warm and fuzzies. Hey, we all have our blankies, so don’t judge me.
Savage also proves what I always say it doesn’t take huge studio dollars to make a great film. Because, some of the major studio horror that was released this year sucked. (Listen to my early 2020 podcasts.) Savage, Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd also did something else I am really grateful for, they did not write a lazy open ending. (See my Tweet from last week.) Host gives us viewers a satisfying conclusion to what was a nicely done slow burn that had me anxious and frightened for the actors.
The use of the limited locations and dark corners aided the plentiful and well placed jump scares effectiveness. Also, for the first time in awhile I was pulling for most of the characters survival. Well, maybe not all, there’s a side character’s girlfriend I was like OK she’s a bit annoying – she can die.
As again my readers know if I have questions it’s a good thing – with Host I have several. However, I’ll save those for an upcoming episode of HorrorFatale.com Almost Live! Hopefully, dare I say it, there is a Host sequel that will answer my questions.
Host is directed by Rob Savage, written by Savage, Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd; Savage and Shepherd also serve as executive producers.
Shudder’s Host is currently streaming on Shudder. New members can enjoy 30-days free with the promo code SHUTIN when signing up at Shudder.com.