Host

Host centers around a group of friends who use a video conferencing platform to connect during the 2020 lockdown. They hire a psychic medium to perform a virtual séance, hoping to contact a spirit. The situation quickly escalates as an unseen evil entity begins to torment them, exploiting the limits of their isolated environments and technology.

Rob Savage, who also co-wrote the screenplay, directed Host on a very tight budget and schedule, shooting entirely online to simulate the lockdown experience authentically. The cast, including Haley Bishop and Jemma Moore, performed with minimal crew support, relying heavily on improvisation to enhance the film’s immediacy and realism.

Host stands out for its innovative approach to the found footage horror subgenre, utilizing the familiar format of video calls to build suspense and fear without traditional cinematic techniques. Its release during the pandemic struck a chord with audiences who could relate to the themes of isolation, technology, and vulnerability.

Collectors interested in Host will find it available on various physical formats including DVD and Blu-ray. Given its unique production circumstances and cultural moment, the film represents a snapshot of pandemic-era filmmaking. Its compact 56-minute runtime and single-location setting make it a distinct piece within horror collections focused on experimental or contemporary titles.

The film also sparked discussions about new storytelling possibilities using digital platforms, making it an important reference point for collectors tracking the evolution of horror cinema tied to real-world events.