Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Superhost’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Superhost’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the internet has outright changed the world. Because not only are we able to access the compendium of human knowledge on a moment’s notice, but we can communicate with people all around the globe, and being able to reach people on a moment’s notice… has allowed for a new breed of stars to be born. For bloggers and vloggers can now reach the masses with their words and their thoughts whenever they feel like it, giving them a voice and a fan base, they never would have had in the dark ages before wi-fi and that really is quite the impressive feat. One that sadly… does come with its own set of drawbacks.
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Because trouble has accompanied all the wonder the internet has brought forth. Since it is also a rampant place for misinformation and lies and heartless and disgusting rhetoric. Plus, it has also made egotistical monsters out of everyday people. For now, ‘influencers’ believe their posts matter more than what everyday heroes do in the world and they have no problem with using their clout to damage the reputation of a business, if they don’t receive the care and love they believe they deserve and well… that does leave one to wonder what it will take put a little humility into the hearts of those who believe they are internet gods. And it just so happens… that a new film on Shudder explores that very question in an extreme manner in Superhost.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a loving couple made up of Claire and Teddy who are filled with energy and joy, and it makes sense as to why. For this power couple is living the good life since they travel the country and vlog about it on their popular online video channel. But when we catch up with them here, it quickly becomes apparent the joy and energy they display… is nothing more than a façade. Because their channel is not as popular as it once was and is shedding viewers quickly and that is stressing them out like never before. But there is some semblance of hope on the horizon. For a prime location that should please their viewers finally has a spot open for them, but little do they know that the host of this vacation destination is harboring some dark secrets, the kind that will change the course of Claire and Teddy’s vlogging career in a manner they never expected.

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Which is the perfect plot to put the darker side of pursuing online fame on display. Because Claire and Teddy have indeed been transformed by finding fame with vlogging, to the point where the quality of their channel doesn’t matter in the slightest, just the clicks and views and revenue and that’s made them sour and hollow individuals. The kind that flirts with using their power and influence to get what they need and really, their journey and their uncomfortable personalities really are scathing satire on the influencer and the power vlogger and how they’ve outright lost touch with reality and what matters in life. Which makes this quite the poignant film for certain. However, while that part of the film is indeed fascinating and relevant, Claire and Teddy’s raging egos really don’t present an exploration, as to how exactly to give people obsessed with internet fame some semblance of humility.
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But oddly enough, it is the horror elements present in this tale that accomplishes that. Because even though their host, Rebecca, is a bloodthirsty murderer, in addition to being an outright psychopath; her desire to end anyone that learns the truth about her… does in fact teach our anti-heroes quite the important lesson in humility. For she stands as quite the allegory, one that serves to remind us that society has helped to create this new wave of monsters by coddling them and giving them the attention, they crave. So, if by chance, we took a moment to be a little more direct like Rebecca (without the murdering) and point out the toxic behaviors these influencers create… then perhaps they’ll be a little more inclined to not be so egotistical and awful. If anything, all of these elements make this an outright brilliant horror film. One that offers up unique and refreshing commentary on a part of our society we more or less ignore and likely shouldn’t since this is a problem, one that enables bad behavior for certain.

But for those everyday fans that are concerned that this is nothing more than elevated horror, the kind that doesn’t offer what every horror fan loves and adores, have no fear… the good stuff is present here. Because Rebecca is a bloodthirsty villain for certain, one that has no problem with slicing someone up when it suits her needs. Which means the kills are simply stunning in this tale, and Rebecca’s madness does indeed offer the right kind of levity in the right moment so that the ugly stuff never becomes overpowering. Plus, you can never go wrong with a horror flick that features a legend, since Barbara Crampton’s cameo here is impactful and powerful and well, in the end, this really is quite the engaging horror film for certain. One that definitely stays with you thanks to its whip smart commentary and quality gore and scares. So, if you’re in the mood for an intelligent horror flick that also knows how to please and entertain, then swing by Shudder when you have a little time and give Superhost a look.

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Horror Legend Barbara Crampton in ‘Superhost’.