Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody violence and jump scares in fun vlogging horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superhost
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SUPERHOST, travel vlogging couple Claire (Sara Canning) and Teddy (Osric Chau) arrive at a remote house where their host starts exhibiting odd behavior in her desperation for a good review. Keen to get more traction with their followers, Claire and Teddy decide to capitalize on her erratic personality in an attempt to go viral, but their morals may not be the only things in danger.
Is It Any Good?
This vlogging horror has a few things to say about social media validation, but it's mostly a gleefully chaotic ride, driven by Gracie Gillam's unhinged performance. Superhost doesn't offer much in terms of character development or substantial plot, and neither Canning nor Chau's roles are especially engaging—both play second fiddle to Gillam's unpredictable host, Rebecca. Still, the film delivers plenty of dark humor alongside its bloody violence. There's also a cameo from horror veteran Barbara Crampton, which adds a fun nod to the wider genre. It's a slight film, even with its brief run time, but Superhost will appeal to those who enjoy knowingly over-the-top horror comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violent scenes in Superhost. Did the light, sometimes playful tone of the film make the violence easier to watch? If so, why do you think that was? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the ethical questions the movie raises about how far people will go for likes on social media. Did the central couple think about the effect their reviews had on other people's lives? Where is the line between interesting content and clickbait?
How did the movie build tension? Did you think the ominous noises and jump scares were effective? How did this compare to the techniques of other horror films you've seen?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 2, 2021
- Cast : Sara Canning , Osric Chau , Gracie Gillam
- Director : Brandon Christensen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Shudder
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 15, 2025
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