Rob Savage’s Host uses the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic to create an inventive, frightening horror experience.
A séance over Zoom
A group of friends arranges an online séance and invites a medium named Seylan to guide them. A mistake leads to the summoning of a malevolent presence that threatens everyone involved. The story unfolds through the call in real time, drawing the audience directly into an increasingly oppressive situation.
Making the limitations work
Savage shows a talent for atmosphere and inventive staging. Made on a small budget during lockdown, Host turns the technical quirks and glitches of video conferencing into sources of tension and unexpected shocks. Its minimalism recalls found-footage films such as The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. The short running time maintains the pressure without unnecessary padding, strengthening the horror.
Familiar faces on the screen
The performers, including Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, and Caroline Ward, play fictional versions of themselves. Their natural reactions make the supernatural events more convincing and intense. Bishop is particularly effective as the serious, increasingly worried central character.
Why it works
For me, Host is one of the most effective horror films of recent years. Its atmosphere, creative shocks, and original use of the video-call format make it a memorable experience.
The verdict
Host is a remarkable contribution to found-footage horror. It demonstrates that inspired, compelling filmmaking can emerge from severe restrictions. It is especially recommended for viewers who enjoy atmospheric scares and a contemporary interpretation of familiar horror ideas.
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