FILM REVIEW: 2020 Spooky Movie International Film Fest SELECTION - Josh's review of HOST

Directed by: Rob Savage

Starring: Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, Caroline Ward, Edward Linard

HOST has been called by many (both by various critics & celeb viewers alike) as the best horror movie of 2020. So, is it true? Well...I'm here to tell everyone that definitely lives up to the hype. For the uninitiated, HOST is a found footage horror film about a group of friends in the UK who are quarantined and decide to hold a Zoom get together, but with a twist, they decide to hold a Zoom seance!

As you might expect, once the games begin, it quickly becomes clear that the group of friends have all summoned something very dangerous and malevolent. Clearly these folks haven't learned anything from the classic horror film, THE EXORCIST, as communicating with the dead should never be done alone. In this case, while the characters are in communication across Zoom, they are all socially isolated from one another and therefore vulnerable to whatever demonic force they each have summoned.

So you might be asking is : So what is so scary or effective about this film? Well, the prospect of this film taking place on a Zoom call it allows a very realistic & recognizable setting for the viewer to observe the horrors unfold. With that said, I won't go into too many details except that Rob Savage has done a remarkable job creating this movie. All in all, even if you're not a fan of found footage horror you'll really love this one. However, a bit of advice, maybe don't watch it by candle light.

Ovenrall grade: A

HOST drops at the Spooky Movie International Film Festival tomorrow.