An Ideal Host is a brutal indie film by Perth-based Robert Woods, showcasing a blend of comedy and horror in his directorial debut. Penned by Tyler Jacob Woods, this underrated Australian film is a nice surprise for those who find it. This review of An Ideal Host includes some slight spoilers, but I must highlight the ultra-violent carnage. Fortunately, it’s now streaming free nearly everywhere.
While violent films can vary greatly in quality, An Ideal Host stands out with its numerous strengths. The opening scenes feature Nadia Collins as Liz, delivering an entertaining recital for a dinner party. Collins undoubtedly steals the spotlight, effortlessly blending in with the remote location setting.
An Ideal Host movie is lively and packed with action, and Collins skillfully navigates her character with the necessary diversity to pull it off. Alongside her OCD and controlling demeanor, the invited friends introduce a party crasher, Daisy, whose reputation for chaos precedes her. Daisy, portrayed by Naomi Brockwell, infuses the role with undeniable charm. Her candid responses to the jabs she receives are refreshingly unapologetic, often leading her to just pour another glass of wine. Something we can all appreciate.
I found the concept of the story quirky and fun; however, the 85-minute runtime felt somewhat over-extended. Essentially, aliens are in the midst of their takeover. Liz, along with her guests, are engaged in a fight against infection and for their very survival. It’s worth noting that An Ideal Host was produced on a micro-budget, yet it delivers commendably well for a low-budget production.
The Alien Takeover in “An Ideal Host”
There’s an overwhelming amount of chatter in An Ideal Host, almost to the point of distraction. Just as I started to tune it out, I noticed alien lifeforms erupting from people’s mouths and darting across the floor. So, somewhere between a skinny Xenomorph and the blackened figures from Await Further Instructions. They aren’t terrifying, and An Ideal Host doesn’t build tension particularly well.
Their alarming ability to control human bodies snapped me back to attention. Chaos erupted when they arrived. I had initially been sidetracked by a questionable American accent. But “An Ideal Host” regained my full attention with a character death that was so abrupt and brutally violent that I couldn’t think about anything else.
When In Doubt, Kill Everything On Screen
The death scenes in An Ideal Host come on as if out of nowhere. Despite the silliness of whether or not someone could stab someone else with the broken bone sticking out of their arm is beside the point. The fact is, it’s deliciously brutal. The best of the best violent movies. As is the death of the annoying American accent guy. If you can get someone to repeatedly stab themselves with their own knife in the neck why wouldn’t you?
I’m certainly not going to ruin the whole last quarter of An Ideal Host with spoilers. I will say though, get someone to wake you up for the final act. It’s pretty cool.
I learned that director Robert Woods covered cinematography. In addition, he did the editing and co-production. I hope this talented filmmaker goes a long way. For more from Woods, check out The Turning next. The cinematography isn’t complicated, it’s steady and utilizes the wide-open spaces just as well as the tiny living spaces.
The visual effects are executed in solid succession for a no-frills affair. The transitions in editing are lovingly seamless. The visual and practical effects are good.
An Extra Star Just For the Special Effects
An Ideal Host is rated
3 Weaponized Crème Brûlée torches out of 5
If you aren’t impressed, you need glasses. Props to the practical effects team (Andrew David and Matt Willemsen.)
You can watch An Ideal Host for free on TubiTv in the USA. The title was directed by Robert Woods.
Official Teaser Trailer for An Ideal Host
- An Ideal Host full movie was acquired as a screener as part of the press for Grimmfest 2020.
- Looking for more horror with aliens? Watch V/H/S Beyond (Shudder) 2024 | Fried Barry | Sputnik or The Superdeep next.
