Happy Goat Horror

In the world of found-footage horror, Host is a breath of fresh, terrifying air. Running at a tight 57 minutes, this pandemic-era film makes every second count, expertly blending the haunted house subgenre with the intimacy of video calls. It’s a movie that knows its audience—people stuck at home, feeling a little too comfortable with technology—only to shatter that sense of security with supernatural forces that are all too real.

“When the virtual world turns deadly, how do you escape?”

The Premise

The premise is simple but incredibly effective. A group of friends decides to hold a séance over a Zoom call, as one of them (Hayley) invites a medium to guide them through the experience. What starts as a fun, albeit reckless, activity quickly spirals into terror when an evil presence attaches itself to the group, using the digital platform to invade their homes. As the séance goes wrong, the friends are faced with a nightmarish series of events that blur the lines between the virtual and real world, and they must figure out how to survive when their connection to reality begins to unravel.

It’s a perfect premise for the times, combining the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic with the fear of losing control over technology. Host uses the virtual setting to build suspense, making even the smallest glitches or flickers feel ominous. The technology that connects them is simultaneously a tool for communication and a gateway for horror, and it’s this clever twist that makes Host feel so fresh.

“A screen that can’t protect you.”

The Execution

The execution of Host is what sets it apart from other films in the genre. The film’s pacing is lightning-fast, and its use of real-time events enhances the tension. Every moment feels like it could be the last, as the characters’ limited options make them feel helpless—trapped in a digital prison with no escape. Director Rob Savage masterfully uses the found-footage format to create an immersive experience. The constraints of the format only enhance the anxiety, forcing the audience to rely on what they can see through the characters’ devices.

The cast delivers strong performances, with each character bringing their own dynamic to the group. The chemistry between them feels natural, making the escalation of fear all the more impactful when the supernatural forces start to take hold. The ensemble is convincing as they go from playful banter to sheer panic, and the fact that the whole film takes place via a video call only deepens the sense of claustrophobia.

“When the Wi-Fi goes down, so do your chances of survival.“

The Horror Elements

The horror in Host is relentless. It doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition or build-up—once the supernatural events begin, they take off at full throttle. The film’s true terror lies in its atmosphere: the glitches, the faint whispers, the eerie moments that slowly start to invade the video call. It’s a masterclass in using technology as a tool for fear. The tension builds with each second, and the sound design amplifies every jump scare and subtle shift in the atmosphere, keeping you on edge the entire time.

The scares are perfectly timed, and the supernatural elements hit just when you think the characters might have a break. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience, with plenty of moments that will have you jumping out of your seat. Unlike many horror films that rely on gore or over-the-top effects, Host taps into a primal fear—the fear of the unknown and the unsettling idea that something malevolent can infiltrate the technology we rely on every day.

“The only thing worse than being stuck at home is what might be haunting it.“

Final Thoughts

Host is a masterful exercise in minimalism, proving that you don’t need a massive budget or complex storytelling to create a truly terrifying experience. The film taps into the collective anxiety of its time, and its tight runtime ensures it never overstays its welcome. With a clever premise, impressive direction, and a fast-paced script, Host is a standout in the pandemic horror genre. It’s a film that will make you think twice before clicking ‘join’ on your next Zoom call.

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Strengths

• A fresh, timely concept that uses technology to its full horror potential
• Fast-paced, immersive, and relentlessly terrifying
• Strong performances and excellent use of the found-footage format

Weaknesses

• Some viewers may find the lack of backstory and character depth a bit limiting
• Its short runtime may leave some wishing for a deeper exploration of the story

Score: 8.0 – A pulse-pounding, terrifying experience that reinvents the found-footage genre for the digital age.