Don’t forget to like and survive.|Aug. 14, 2021|United States|83 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Mystery;Thriller;Violence(Slasher)
Description: The vacation rental industry is undeniably peculiar. We frequently enter homes owned by strangers, often equipped with security cameras that allow owners to monitor us, yet we act as if it’s completely normal. This inherently unsettling scenario was explored effectively in Dave Franco’s 2020 film *The Rental*, and it once again takes center stage in Brandon Christensen’s *Superhost*. The movie follows two vloggers who find themselves in the wrong rental property.
While the film is relatively short and not overly ambitious, it is elevated by a standout performance from Gracie Gillam. She portrays an unstable character with a perfect blend of campy horror that is both entertaining and terrifying. The movie could have delved deeper into themes of internet culture and shared spaces, but it remains undeniably engaging—more so than some real-life vacation rental experiences.
One of the intriguing aspects of *Superhost* is its focus on two individuals desperate for validation. Sara Canning plays Claire, the co-host of a travel vlog alongside her boyfriend Teddy, portrayed by Osric Chau. Together, they visit and review highly-rated vacation homes. Teddy is the optimist, even planning to propose to Claire on their next adventure, while Claire is more pragmatic, concerned about their declining subscriber count and determined to turn things around. Will their latest trip revive interest in their vlog?
Enter Rebecca, played by Gracie Gillam, the eccentric host of the rental property. Rebecca’s behavior is deeply unsettling; she frequently intrudes on Claire and Teddy’s space, constantly monitoring their satisfaction. Her interactions are unnerving, and her backstory about the property adds to the growing sense that something is terribly *wrong* with her.
Overall, *Superhost* offers a tense and entertaining exploration of the bizarre dynamics of vacation rentals, anchored by a memorable performance from Gracie Gillam.
Cast director: Brandon Christensen
Cast actor: Grace Phipps, Barbara Crampton, Sara Canning, Osric Chau
Original name: Superhost