Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘HOST’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Shudder film ‘HOST’.
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There is a prevailing belief that we’ve reached a plateau in storytelling. One where creativity and originality don’t exist anymore, simply because every single story out there has been told in some form or fashion at this point, and storytellers are simply rehashing what’s already been done. A notion that seemingly has merit in an age filled with reboots and reimagining and remakes. But the fact of the matter is, that particular line of thinking is outright incorrect. Because there are original stories still being told out there, they’re just overshadowed at times by the stuff we are familiar with. But when you take a moment to dig deep and search for a real gem, what you find is nothing short of magnificent. 

Take for example the brand-new Shudder film, Host. A horror film that was assembled during the height of quarantine, and it is hands down, one of the most original and creative films of the year. A feat that this story accomplishes by keeping everything simple. Even the plot for that matter. For this particular tale revolves around a handful of friends who decide that holding a séance via Zoom, might be something unique and fun to do during quarantine and well, it doesn’t take long for a disrespectful goof to change the night into something more. Because these pals have inadvertently tapped into the spirit world, and they’ve offended what they’ve awakened, and now, they’re going to pay the price for their disrespect in horrific fashion. 

But there was mention of simplicity extending beyond that particular setup and that was no joke. Because the setting of the film is equally as uncomplicated, since you’re a casual observer of this particular Zoom meeting and that particular storytelling decision is nothing short of genius. Because you get to just hang out with everyone early on and get to know them as happy-go-lucky, everyday people. And being in a harmless setting and having some chuckles with some nice folks, and hear of their aloof plans to contact the spirit world is a wonderful way to relax the audience and help them to lower their guard. Which in turn, allows for the scares to outright unsettle you once they begin and make no mistake about it, this film will most certainly scare you.  

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Because this particular tale does a phenomenal job of playing off our most primal fears. Such as how we are terrified of the dark and feel that particular fear accelerated when we think we see something moving within the shadows. Plus, the scares also come at us in a fast and furious fashion in this motion picture, which makes them quite effective for certain. Because by keeping the scares quick and clean in this story, you barely have to time to process what’s happening, allowing for the viewer to further live in the moment and be unsettled by the awful things that are playing out before their eyes and surprisingly, the wonder of this film doesn’t end with its simple approach to scares and storytelling. 

For this particular scary story also has a little bit of social commentary to offer the audience as well, something that is engrained within the framework of the plot. Because in many ways, the disrespect that Jemma sends the spirit’s way and the aloofness that everyone brings to the table in regard to the séance, speaks volumes to how people view quarantine and the Covid-19 crisis, as no big deal. And by not respecting the gravity of the situation and pretending as though it doesn’t it exist; they invite something unseen and horrible to enter their lives and this was perhaps the most pleasant surprise of all when it comes to this particular tale. Since found-footage horror films tend to steer clear of depth and analysis in order to focus upon the scares. 

In the end however, this is simply a refreshing and delightful horror film. One that truly catches you off guard with its intensity and its intelligence and to top it off, it features some solid performances as well. Because every single character in this film is believable and relatable and only a solid cast can pull that off and if you’ve got Shudder, it’s best you check this one out ASAP. For it really does take the audience on a wild and harrowing ride, one that gets your blood pumping and your hands quaking and as an added bonus, it’s got re-watch value as well. So that the viewer can properly comprehend what this spirit is up to in the darkness. If anything, this is a movie that serves to remind us, to show respect to every aspect of this world and the netherworld. Because you never know when an off the cuff comment might anger a salty spirit.   

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