Host is a horror film shot in the ScreenLife convention (the action takes place on the screens of computers and smartphones). This is not the only reason why the production stands out from other horror films.
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The host was filmed during the coronavirus pandemic, during the sharpest lockdown. So the film was made at home. Actors (mainly actresses) appeared in it without leaving their own apartments. The performers had to take care of all technical issues, camera coordination, scenography, lighting, and even practical special effects, because, as befits a horror movie, they appear here and there. We observe the heroes during the conversation on Zoom. ScreenLife technology is nothing new when it comes to cinema, but here it has the hallmarks of something special. The whole thing was written, directed and edited in a few weeks, with an almost zero budget (not counting the cost of engaging the actors). The production quickly hit the streaming platform (Shudder) to maintain the impression of topicality (the creators probably did not think that we will still live with the coronavirus in 2021). This is how the first horror film was made, set in the reality of isolation and seclusion. Importantly, however, Host is a successful movie, even if it is not successful on every level.
The plot is as simple as building a flail. A few friends and one raisin arrange an online spiritualist session, which they invite the medium to. When they are in (seemingly) safe homes, they do not take what they are involved in very seriously. Jokes and jokes end quickly, however, because it turns out that the heroes manage to summon something very sinister. Disturbing things begin to happen in the places where each of them lives. Soon the situation becomes almost demonic.
The pandemic and lockdown also play an important role in the story. The heroes strictly follow the rules prevailing in the world at that time. Masks, no bodily contact, a residence order - all of this is present in the Host. It happens that the creators play with these themes, pointing to the absurdities of the lockdown and giving meaningful eye blinks. So the host is not a film made one hundred percent seriously. He knows when to ease the tension and make a joke, both from convention and plot. This is another big advantage of the image. The actresses also deserve praise, as - as it was mentioned before - they had to show great creativity when playing their roles. This is certainly a new quality in mainstream cinema. Perhaps soon we will see more images created collectively on many levels.
Host is a successful horror film that has not avoided the typical scenario nonsense. At the right moments, however, it can generate sudden pressure surges in viewers and push them a little deeper into the chair. Fans of horror movies will surely buy the picture with all the benefits of the inventory, despite the fact that at times the story goes astray. The rest, if they just turn a blind eye to the convention, will also have fun. After all, the lockdown and pandemic are just an excuse to show that darkness and darkness can lurk even in our homes. And this awareness is very frightening for many..
