Directed By: Rob Savage
Starring: Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, Caroline Ward, Teddy Linard, Seylan Baxter
Age Rating: 15 (BBFC)
Release Date: 4th December 2020
Distributed By: Vertigo Releasing
Format: Digital
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Whilst in the middle of lockdown, zoom calls become a common way of catching up with friends and family. Tonight is Haley’s turn to organise the weekly zoom meeting with her five friends. Tonight’s activity, apart from drinking and gossiping, is a séance. Although many are skeptical of the medium Haley hires, the evening begins to take a sudden turn for the worst when during the séance a demonic presence is invited into each of their homes. One by one, events start to unfold that will send a shiver down through anyone’s spine. All of this takes place during the zoom call, as an uninvited guest makes their presence known.
Have you ever heard of someone making a really good horror film in just 12 weeks? It’s madness! Just three months to create a script, remotely train your actors through a virtual workshop so that they know how to not only film themselves acting out their lines, but do their own stunts, camera work, lighting and effects. Now that is pressure and the actors well and truly deserve that paycheck at the end of the day. The filming style reminds me somewhat of a modern take on the Blair Witch, but instead we have webcams and a group of friends remotely communicating from each of their homes. Now filming during this current global pandemic would usually be impossible, but that did not stop the crew, actors and director of ‘Host’ from pushing through and making this film. Honestly, it was entertaining. Terrifying in parts, and I actually had to watch something more ‘calming’ before going to sleep that night. It sent chills down my spin in several moments, from the medium disappearing, to going up into the attic. This is a great film to watch for those that love a good fright.
There is a good mix of personalities and lifestyles between this group of friends. From those that prefer to live life with an open mind, including the existence of the paranormal. To those that are more skeptical and have no problem in voicing their opinions loud & clear. Then we have those that decide that in order to add some drama to the night, they invent a story that is the lead cause to a demonic spirit crossing over and causing numerous murderous acts. You know, just your normal Friday night zoom call with the girls. Through this film we see friendships being tested and some coming to a sudden end as the evil entity goes on a rampage. Apart from the supernatural aspect, the character personalities, relationships and living situations are incredibly realistic and true to life. It makes it all the more frightening when the chaos begins.
From being to end, ‘Host’ has been a captivating watch. From a relatable script to the sudden change to a horror film. It ticks boxes across the entire film. It is also a fresh take on what is still a new aspect of filming, through using a webcam and allowing the actors to perform all their own camera work and stunts. As though it was an ‘amaeuter film’ but made to the highest degree. The film industry is ever changing and its fantastic to see what some can do even during a global lockdown.
‘Host’ is available to stream online now through Amazon, Google Play and Virgin Media. Click on the link here for the full list of websites where you can watch it now, all thanks to Vertigo Releasing – https://www.vertigoreleasing.com/portfolio/host/
You know a film has to be good when it gets a 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes!
Trailer: https://youtu.be/HSOlfz7djoo
Overall: 9/10