“Host” restores my faith that creativity in horror is alive and well. Filmmaker Rob Savage delivers a perfect scary story amidst the immense constraints of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. It premiered exclusively on the Shudder streaming service.
From a production standpoint alone, Savage demonstrates sheer brilliance. The concept for “Host” was born out of a prank Savage played on a group of friends. Under quarantine restrictions, the film was crafted entirely via Zoom. The talent was forced to perform their own cinematography and stunts along the way. Clocking in at a sharp 56 minutes, “Host” relies on limited character backstory. Though we are fed just enough to be an invested. In a modern world of immediacy, shorter movies may become a new trend.
A group of friends have been cut off from each other due to Covid. To liven things up, they decide to conduct a virtual séance. It quickly turns to terror as they discover malevolent demons can surf the internet too.
The ensemble cast is comprised of young talent, all of which are excellent. Acting over a Zoom call is difficult on its own. Here, they are portraying real people. No makeup or special lighting. The characters use their real names. This adds to the believability of the production. We get the feel we are watching a group of actual friends and not a movie.
Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, and Caroline Ward are the primary players. Haley is the leader of the group and the most serious. Jemma is the goofball. Emma is the friend who’s obsessed with filters. Radina is in a bad relationship. Caroline is the most nervous. They interact like any gang of friends would; together as a unit but each with their own distinct personalities. Each is strong, and perfectly uses their limited setting to convey the required emotions.
The genre of Found Footage was born with popular horror pieces such as “The Blair Witch Project” and the “Paranormal Activity” franchise. “Host” takes elements from both and infuses its own spice as well. It’s not exactly found footage. As we watch the friends on Zoom, it is in real time. It breaks the established norms of cinema.
“Host” is never dull. From its onset, the separation of the friends perfectly embodies the anxiety we all felt during 2020. The supernatural elements bring about a panic that mirrors the terror brought into each of our lives from the pandemic. It’s a fear of the unknown and a dislike for those not following the rules. It’s a terror that can’t be explained. No one knows who to blame. No one knows if and when it will end. The film was shot before the release of vaccines. This facet makes it so much stronger and can better be enjoyed now.
Savage also uses our mechanical limitations to add in the authenticity. The women rely heavily on technology to communicate with each other. The technology also provides its own level of scares. Its Uber spooky (pun intended). The time limit on the Zoom call adds to the horror in a Hitchcokian way as the viewer knows the end is coming. Watching, you can feel the hopelessness of all the characters.
There’s no music. Watching the characters on screen, and what could be happening off screen forces the viewer to be on edge. What I also love is the way the film plays out to a conclusion. It’s simple and effective. It doesn’t out-movie itself with foolish explanation.
“Host” quickly became a personal favorite. It’s an innovative film and a fun watch for the Halloween season. For full effectiveness, please watch the lights out >:)
