There have been several attempts at making a horror film while we just watch a computer screen of the lead actors/actresses as they face some kind of traumatic experience. However, given the state that 2020 has left the world in as we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, Shudder delivers another solid watch with Host. The plot is simple enough as group of friends decide to have a seance after their friend Haley (Haley Bishop) has some strange occurrences in her apartment. While you can probably guess what happens next, the execution and creative techniques to deliver scares to us via Zoom is well done. The film has no score so there is several sequences of uncomfortable silence that really raises the tension. I was particularly impressed with
Jemma Moore's performance, but that's not to discount the rest of the cast as this film is very much driven by the emotions on display. Another thing I was happy about is that director Rob Savage chose to not give us a clear look at whatever is terrorizing the cast as I always say the fear of the unknown is always far scarier than something that we see. Spoiler, you do see it eventually but even when you do, it leaves a-lot for you to try to figure out what exactly it is. Overall for a film that comes in at under an hour, I thought this film was unique with good performances and packed enough punch for it stand above most films that have come to the sub genre of inside the screen horror. You can check out Host on Shudder right now!