Hats off to Nicolas Tomnay who wrote and directed this full-length version of his original short film The Host from 2001. A unique blend of black comedy and psychological horror that instantly claims it's own territory in the cinematic universe. I was dazzled and impressed with this one and have already watched it several times.
Clayne Crawford plays "John," a bank robber on the run from a recent score. He winds up in the Hollywood Hills, North Vermont Ave section up by Greek Theater and cons his way into a house owned by "Warick" (David Hyde Pierce) just about to give a dinner party. Pretending to be an old friend of a friend, John cons Warick into staying for the dinner party but then turns a knife on him and says he's taking over the house for the night as a hide-out and if Warick complies he won't get killed.
I won't give away the rest but let's just say our perfect host turns the tables on John and exacts a fun evening of revenge. And there's much more including Helen Reddy (yes, I Am Woman Helen Reddy) playing Warick's next door neighbor, hardly recognizable from her chart topping days.
Filmed in LA, thumbs way up on this one. Streams on Tubi and many other free platforms.
3.25 stars/5
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