Watch The Host

The Host is a gripping thriller from 2020 that follows the story of a well-known journalist, Nathan (played by Mike Beckingham), who is sent to investigate an unusual story in an isolated research facility. It is said that a doctor, who has been experimenting with a revolutionary new treatment for anxiety, has gone missing along with her patient, a young woman named Anna (played by Maryam Hassouni).

Nathan goes undercover as a patient to try and find out what happened to Anna and the missing doctor. Initially, he finds himself in a peaceful and calming environment with the other patients, but the more he delves into the strange experiments being conducted at the facility, the more Nathan begins to unravel.

The director, Andy Newbery, expertly creates an atmosphere of tension and unease. As Nathan's investigation deepens, he realizes that the treatment being offered is far from what it seems. Nathan's skepticism about the treatment gradually turns to fear as he witnesses the unexpected side effects that patients exhibit after the therapy.

Maryam Hassouni gives an incredibly powerful and moving performance as Anna. From her first appearance, she exudes an otherworldly quality that adds to the film's tension. Her delicate and dreamlike demeanor is a sharp contrast to Nathan's stability, and it becomes clear that her unique abilities are coveted by everyone at the research center.

Dougie Poynter, who plays a fellow patient named Tom, provides some much-needed comic relief by injecting some humor and sarcasm into some of the film's darker moments. Tom quickly becomes a trusted ally for Nathan, and together they try to uncover the truth about the treatment while having to navigate the intense secrecy and manipulation of the staff members.

The cinematography is top-notch, with Newbery creatively employing light and darkness to convey the character's shifting moods and motivations. The various indoor locations, from the laboratory to the sleeping quarters, all look appropriately sterile and cold, contrasting with the seemingly innocent and warm way the therapy is introduced to the patients.

The soundtrack for The Host also stands out. It's impeccably timed, with music swelling to mark key moments of suspense or revelation. The score makes a significant contribution to the tense atmosphere that pervades the film.

Overall, The Host is an impressive and highly watchable thriller. The plot is engaging, the acting is excellent, and the direction and cinematography are first-class. While the film explores some dark themes, The Host is ultimately a highly satisfying story about the power of humanity when individuals unite to stand up against injustice. While the film's conclusion may lack a specific degree of resolution, it is still highly effective in delivering an emotional payoff that leaves an impact on the viewer.

The Host is a 2020 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 32.