Host (2020) - A remote spiritist session using Zoom goes terribly w...

Shudder recently released this new horror film that many people will be able to feel related to because the characters are all in quarantine due to the current pandemic. This is the reason why they are meeting in Zoom just like many people have been doing in real life for the past few months.

By the way, if you don't know what Shudder is, it is a streaming service that only serves the horror niche, like Netflix but only for horror fans. Sometimes they also produce their own original films and the latest is this one called Host.

This group of adult friends decided to have some fun time messing with the spiritual world over the Zoom session, they even hired a woman who was very knowledgeable about these topics to guide them into this unique adventure. What the viewer will watch is the same these people are watching in their screens, this is the same concept used in the movie Searching, which was a very cool thriller.

If you have watched films about Ouija, then you already know what will happen in this film, with the only difference being the new element of the Zoom video call. There is nothing new in the plot and the performances from the cast were normal, nothing special. The type of horror Host provides brings nothing intriguing for long time horror fans, perhaps younger audiences might find it entertaining though.

The film's budget was noticeable low but there have been excellent horror movies with low budgets, the best example being the original Paranormal Activity. Creep would be another good example of a simple but effective horror film.

I believe the producers behind Host were trying to create something similar. A short movie (it lasts less than 1 hour) with a small budget but entertaining and intriguing plot, in my opinion, they didn't accomplish that. Host is a very forgettable movie with the only innovative aspect being the use of Zoom.

Nevertheless, I believe people that aren't used to consuming horror content but are in the mood for some new horror production might enjoy this one. Have in mind the first 15 minutes are super boring with nothing related to the paranormal part of the film. Also, there are better short horror stories on Youtube channels such as Alter among many other channels dedicated to short fiction films.