Host was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic during lockdown and directed entirely remotely.
Synopsis
Six friends accidentally invite the attention of a demonic presence during an online séance and begin noticing strange occurrences in their homes.
My Thoughts
Host, directed by Rob Savage, is a little gem of a found footage movie, put together at the peak of the COVID lockdown.
Remember that? When we were all sitting at home learning to bake bread, hating our families, and pretending to exercise? Well, while we were doing that, this guy filmed a horror movie over Zoom over the course of 12 weeks.
Savage had to film this while everyone was in different locations as well, for obvious reasons, and the cast didn’t even meet in person, instead, he played the scenes back to them live, so their reactions are 100% real. (Apparently)
The premise and execution for Host is pretty simple yet works so well, and the movie doesn’t waste time spoon feeding you, not that it needs any explaining, its all pretty straight forward.
The film’s effects are well-timed and impactful, where we see furniture moving on its own, doors creak open ominously, and other simple uses to try and scare you, and its done pretty well, especially considering the constraints.
The success of Host and the film working depended a lot on the 6 characters and the interactions between them, and while none of them are particularly complex or groundbreaking, they feel realistic and relatable, with each person bringing something unique to the table.
And given that Host is shot entirely on Zoom, the big challenge for Rob Savage was how to make a horror film both engaging and scary while sticking to this limited format, yet, he succeeds by using every tool available to him.
The movie just draws you in so effectively that you’re caught up in the chaos alongside the characters, and while the film is only around an hour long, it just focuses on delivering a fast-paced experience and succeeds brilliantly in all its simplicity.
Host is well worth your time, as it’s a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources and all the restraints the film had to work around.
Good Points
Innovative: While a horror film over webcam has been done before, the fact the film was filmed during lockdown and directed remotely with no characters interacting, and the fact it was done so well, needs to be praised.
Good Tension: The tension is delivered really well too, and you’re never bored while watching the film, aided by its short run time.
Social Commentary: The film taps into broader themes of isolation, digital dependency, and the fear of the unknown, and it reflects how many people felt during the pandemic.
Trapped, alone, and relying on technology to stay connected.
Bad Points
Predictable: As said,the film is simple, and while it works, it is also predictable as well and relies on typical horror tropes, but I felt this did not really hold the film back personally speaking.
Others may disagree.
Is It Worth Watching?
Yes.
With its short run time, the film still manages to bring the tension and atmosphere and keeps you immersed throughout, and I think its a unique and effective horror film that is worth a watch.
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Rob Savage
Main Cast – Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, Caroline Ward, Edward Linard, Seylan Baxter, Alan Emrys, Jinny Lofthouse
Found Footage Horror Movies 
Let Me Know Your Thoughts!