By Mark Hockley
Four friends find themselves unwilling contestants in a sadistic game show, pitted against a deranged serial killer intent on tormenting his victims.
In the vein of the Saw franchise, Your Host leans heavily into gore, with its most compelling asset being Jackie Earle Haley as Barry Miller, the game show host turned unhinged murderer. Haley fully embraces the role, delivering a performance that’s both frenzied and unsettling. His career highlights include a memorable turn as Rorschach in Watchmen and his take on Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street remake. He even has an Oscar nomination for his role in Little Children(2006). As ever, Haley brings intensity and a touch of class to the screen.
Unfortunately, the rest of the cast—Ella-Rae Smith, Jamie Flatters, David Angland and Joelle Rae—struggle with characters whose actions often stretch credibility. Smith fares best, managing to inject some depth into a role that could easily have fallen flat. Tasked with the film’s heaviest emotional moments, she remains convincing despite the inconsistent writing.
Technically, the practical effects are a highlight. One particularly gruesome death by head crushing is memorably brutal and well-staged. The same praise can’t be extended to Sam Ewing’s synth-based score, which feels generic and uninspired. One can’t help but imagine how much more effective the film might have been with someone like Charlie Clouser (Saw) behind the music.
Director D.W. Medoff presents the story in a flat, unimaginative style and Joey Miller’s script never quite escapes its derivative trappings.
Aside from strong turns by Haley and Smith, Your Host is likely to soon fade in the memory.
Your Host screened as part of Frightfest 2025.
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