SUPERHOST on Shudder is a new horror thriller that might keep you from Airbnb for a while. Also, if you’re familiar with Youtubers and influencers, you’ll recognize how accurately they’re portrayed here. Read our Superhost movie review here and check it out on Shudder!
SUPERHOST is a new horror movie on Shudder that works with the vlogger and Airbnb concepts. Two Youtubers (or travel influencers, if you will) arrive at a house that they’ve rented through an Airbnb-like website. Admittedly, I can’t help but think of 14 Cameras (the sequel to 13 Cameras) whenever the concept of an Airbnb location is used.
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Just as was the case with the 14 Cameras movie, the main villain is absolutely unforgettable. In fact, I would be so ready for an entire franchise featuring Rebecca. Even the trailer for this movie has a “There’s something wrong with Rebecca” tagline. And yes, there is, but she is damn entertaining to watch in a horror movie!
Continue reading our full Superhost movie review below.
Influencers are perfect for horror
The two travel vloggers have chosen their latest place for its super popular Superhost. However, before we even get to meet this person, we get a few scenes that are so perfectly on the nose for Youtubers. Most importantly, the constant “like and subscribe” reminders, which are necessary but also increasingly inelegant and downright cringeworthy.
Or how about the “first impression” or “spontaneous reactions” that might require a few takes to get right. Of course, that’s the way it is, but it’s meant to come across as being un-edited real-life.
I love how this part of the story isn’t actually used in any grotesque way. Instead, it shows reality which is a bit grotesque. Especially if you don’t know that this is how things work. In fact, they even manage to miss out on huge clues, that something is very wrong, simply because they’re focused on shooting their videos.
Gracie Gillam is perfect as Rebecca
The entire Superhost cast only really has four actors. The two YouTubers are Claire and Teddy who are portrayed by Sarah Canning (Z, the series Big Sky) and Osric Chau (Supernatural) respectively. Unfortunately, for them, the other two are horror icon Barbara Crampton and the unforgettable Gracie Gillam.
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Our review of the alternative vampire movie Jakob’s Wife starring Barbara Crampton >
Barbara Crampton plays Vera, an Airbnb superhost who the YouTubers made a video about in the past. This video became a huge hit because they gave Vera’s place a scathing review. This has virtually ruined her business so obviously, she has it in for the two travel vloggers.
And then there’s “superhost Rebecca” who is portrayed so damn perfectly by Gracie Gillam. There can be no doubt that Gracie Gillam (Scream Queens, Z Nation) had a blast playing Rebecca. At least, I really hope so because I certainly had an excellent time watching her portray Rebecca. She is so creepy and funny and weird and very off in all the right ways.
Oh yeah, I definitely want a Rebecca spin-off. Please!
Watch Superhost on Shudder!
Brandon Christensen is the writer and director of Superhost. This alone is enough reason for us to check it out since we always enjoy his movies. Sometimes we love what he does and other times, we just enjoy the movie and move on. So far, I haven’t actually disliked anything he’s done and I don’t expect to. He often works with Colin Minihan, who we tend to adore!
OTHER MOVIES BY BRANDON CHRISTENSEN
Check out our 5-star review of the horror movie Still/Born here >
The reason we don’t rate this movie any higher – while still giving it our full recommendation – is simply that it could have been better. Tighter and stronger on details. We would give Superhost a 3½ if we did half stars, but just can pull it up to 4 out of 5.
Also, even more Rebecca (Gracie Gillam) and Vera (Barbara Crampton). Especially since I didn’t really buy Teddy and Claire as a couple, which made me care less about them. A shame when they’re in virtually all scenes. And an even harder sell to make me think that people would follow their channel – despite them both portraying YouTubers perfectly!
Just check this one out for Gracie Gillam’s “Rebecca”. Had this movie been a short film focused on her that character, I would’ve given it a top rating!
SUPERHOST premieres on September 2, 2021, on Shudder.
Details
Director: Brandon Christensen
Writer: Brandon Christensen
Stars: Sara Canning, Osric Chau, Gracie Gillam, Barbara Crampton
Plot
In Superhost, travel vloggers Teddy and Claire share their experiences in and around vacation homes with their subscribers while maintaining a moderate level of internet fame. When their follower count starts to dwindle, they pivot to creating viral content around their most recent host, Rebecca. With all eyes turned towards their “superhost,” Rebecca, they slowly start to realize something isn’t right and as they investigate further, they unlock a horrifying truth.
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