“Host:” Quarantine Horror for the Online Generation
Shudder’s Host (not a particularly original title, I must say) attempts to bring the spooks to “the quarantine generation” by presenting us with a scary Zoom call during lockdown.

Dasheng is one of millions of Chinese who are from the countryside and making lives in the big city. He is quite satisfied with what he has made for himself: a job as a window-cleaner, a girlfriend (Yu Qin) he adores, and foster parents he respects. He never tells them that he is married in his hometown: his wife (Zi Yun) and mother are looking forward to his homecoming some day. Obviously, Dasheng doesn't want to go back to the rural life anymore. But the urban life he enjoys is so fragile. Dasheng suddenly has nothing. He is strolling on the street in the city...
Shudder’s Host (not a particularly original title, I must say) attempts to bring the spooks to “the quarantine generation” by presenting us with a scary Zoom call during lockdown.
The gentle, emotional nuances of Evan’s coming-of-age story would have been so beneficial to have incorporated into the life of a POC character. Showing a Black, Asian or Latino young man that is afforded the space to be vulnerable, flawed and sensitive while driving a compelling and widely-loved narrative would have been a game changer.
The film does not add anything to its own conversation or genre, and falls flat once it’s about to end and must declare some sort of conclusion.
‘A Good Person’ makes it clear that forgiveness is hard.
Films staring black transgender actresses/actors are few and far between, it’s refreshing to see a demographic represented in film that hardly gets any attention. This is especially important as the Black trans community has been shown in studies to face the highest level of discrimination amongst general trans and non-binary groups. That is why it’s so crucial that we amplify their voices through any way we can, storytelling being a great medium to do so.
The film is a powerful narrative encompassing a theme that many people can identify with.