Host

During the COVID-19 lockdown, a group of friends decides to hold a virtual séance over a video call. However, their fun experiment quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal when an evil spirit begins to haunt them, manifesting through their screens and escalating the danger with each passing moment. The friends must find a way to survive the night as the entity becomes increasingly malevolent and determined to cross over into their world.

Host was widely acclaimed by critics for its innovative approach to horror filmmaking, leveraging the limitations of the pandemic and the ubiquity of video conferencing to create a genuinely terrifying and relevant experience. Reviewers praised its tight pacing, effective scares, and the cast's convincing performances, all achieved within a short runtime and confined setting. The film is often cited as a standout example of creative adaptation to a global crisis, proving that compelling horror can emerge from unconventional circumstances.

• A masterclass in pandemic-era horror, using Zoom calls for maximum dread.
• Relies on jump scares and effective use of screen-sharing for its terror.
• The short runtime and found-footage style contribute to its relentless, claustrophobic intensity.

Google audience: Google users largely praised "Host" for its inventive use of the Zoom platform to deliver effective scares and a sense of genuine dread. Many found the film surprisingly terrifying and innovative, especially considering its low budget and constrained production. Some viewers noted that while the premise was effective, the rapid escalation of supernatural events could feel a bit rushed to certain audiences.

Won Best Horror Film at the 2021 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Nominated for Best Original Film Score at the 2021 Hollywood Critics Association Mid-Season Awards.

The film was shot entirely remotely during the UK's COVID-19 lockdown, with director Rob Savage communicating with the actors via Zoom and guiding them on how to film their own scenes.