Netflix Adds a Terrifying Horror Hit You Can’t Miss

Netflix has added a chilling new horror film that is giving viewers major scares. The movie, Host, is a 2020 British independent supernatural thriller directed by Rob Savage and co-written with Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd. It’s set entirely on a Zoom call and follows a group of friends who accidentally summon a demon during an online séance.

The idea for the movie began with a short prank video by Savage that went viral. He expanded the concept into a feature film, which was filmed entirely over Zoom in just 12 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each cast member managed their own cameras, lighting, makeup, and even stunts, while Savage directed them remotely from his home.

Host first streamed on Shudder in the UK and North America on July 30, 2020, before seeing a limited theatrical and digital release in the UK later that year.

Critics responded positively to the film, highlighting its clever use of the pandemic-era setting, its suspenseful jump scares, and the chemistry among the cast.

The story revolves around friends Haley, Jemma, Radina, Emma, Caroline, and Teddy, who join a weekly Zoom call during a London lockdown. Haley organizes a virtual séance with a medium named Seylan, warning them not to disrespect the spirits. But not everyone takes it seriously, and events quickly spiral out of control.

The movie has received widespread acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, Host holds a 99% approval rating based on 98 reviews, with an average score of 7.8/10. Critics wrote, “Lean, suspenseful, and scary, Host uses its timely premise to deliver a nastily effective treat for horror enthusiasts.” Metacritic gives it a 73 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Many reviewers praised the film for exploring social anxiety and the effects of isolation. The New York Times and Rue Morgue compared it to Unfriended, another horror movie set during a group video chat.

Time magazine listed it among “17 Great Movies You May Have Missed This Summer,” calling it “not only one of the best horror movies of the year, but also an intimate look at creativity, film production and a shared global culture in the throes of a rampaging virus.” Elizabeth Horkley of The Atlantic called it “the first great entry in the new genre of ‘quarantine horror.'”

Host is now streaming on Netflix, offering a fresh and terrifying experience for horror fans.

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