Shudder to Start Streaming SUPERHOST on September 2

NEW YORK – August 12, 2021 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, will release Superhost, written and directed by Brandon Christensen (Z, Still/Born), in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand on September 2.

 

“Led by Gracie Gillam’s unshackled and wildly fun performance, Superhost is an unexpected, darkly humorous new terror from Brandon Christensen,” said Craig Engler, general manager of Shudder. “Following Still/Born and Z, we’re thrilled Brandon remains in the Shudder family, and are eagerly anticipating creeping out our members’ long weekends.”

 

Said writer and director Brandon Christensen, “I’m incredibly excited for horror fans to check out my newest film Superhost on Shudder. Superhost will stay with you long after the credits and have you rethink staying in a complete stranger’s house.”

 

In Superhost, travel vloggers Teddy (Osric Chau, Supernatural) and Claire (Sara Canning, Nancy Drew) 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 (Gracie Gillam, Z Nation). 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.

 

Written and directed by Christensen the film stars Chau, Canning, Gillam and Barbara Crampton (Jakob’s Wife). Superhost is produced by Kurtis David Harder (Spiral), Christensen, and Chau. Chris Scordo, Darren Sivertsen, Ty Sivertsen, Jon Robinson and Rob Preston serve as executive producers.

 

Superhost will world premiere Saturday, August 14 at Popcorn Frights in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

 

ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.

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"Z" (Review)

Director: Brandon Christensen
Writers: Brandon Christensen, Colin Minihan
Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Jett Klyne, Sean Rogerson, Sara Canning, Stephen McHattie
Year: 2019
Min: 83

The married couple of Elizabeth (Keegan Connor Tracy) and Kevin Parsons (Sean Rogerson) have an eight-year-old son named Joshua (Jett Klyne). He unfortunately has gained an imaginary friend simply named Z; who soon influences Joshua to develop rather antisocial and destructive behavior. It worries his mom, Elizabeth, of course, especially when the behavior begins to include violence. She will slowly discover the secret of Z.

This slow burn of a horror movie looked, at first, to be something that I had seen before. But, thanks to some solid talent behind and in front of the camera, ended up exceeding my expectations. Insuring my enjoyment of it is how the movie builds up and has a couple of moments that will chill you.

Perhaps the movie's strongest aspect is its acting. Everyone is great, but it's Keegan Connor (Final Destination 2, Bates Motel) Tracy that is truly incredible. She gives one of the year's best performances, as she is able to say so much with just her eyes. Her character of Elizabeth is the heart of the movie and is easy to like and cheer on. She also plays a good counterbalance to Sean Rogerson portrayal of her hubby Kevin. While, he shows strong acting, the role is the generic dad who doesn't believe in the supernatural shit that is going on. As such, he feels a bit like a fail, even if he means well. The supporting cast is strong as well, in particular the always great and underrated Stephen McHattie as the psychologist Beth calls to help her son.

I also really like the way the movie looks, as there are some really nicely framed shots within it. While, the flick is slow it builds and builds up rather well. The continuing sense of mounting terror so well thanks to director/ co-writer Brandon Christensen, who manages to make the movie creepier and creepier. There is, at least. one truly shocking and jaw-dropping moment. It comes from a truly shocking scene that works to perfection and comes out of nowhere. The score by Brittany Allen is great, as well, and adds to the scares. It helps to make you feel very uneasy.

The script by Christensen and Colin Minihan is strong. As I stated before, at first this film feels like it might be something we have seen before. But, then at about the 50 or so minute mark it goes in a decidedly crazy and increasingly dark direction that I really appreciated. It helps to give this one its own identity.

"Z" is a dark and somber mix of supernatural and psychological horror. Though it's a bit on the slow side, it builds up rather nicely. The film manages to have some frightening and creepy moments. And, it is highlighted by a superlative performance from the lovely and immensely talented Connor Tracy. Her role of a mom who will do anything to protect and save her son helps to make this one a great choice for Mother's Day viewing. Which is great cause Shudder will begin streaming the movie on May 7, 2020.

3 out of 4 

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Come Mother's Day, "Z" Will be Unleashed by Shudder!

April 16, 2020 — Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today that it has acquired all rights in its territories to Z, the latest horror film from director Brandon Christensen (Still/Born). The film, which stars Keegan Connor Tracy (Bates Motel), Sean Rogerson (Grave Encounters), Jett Klyne (The Boy), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) and Stephen McHattie (Pontypool), is the story of Elizabeth, a young mother who begins to fear her introverted son’s imaginary friend, Z, may be terrifyingly real. Shudder will release Z as a Shudder Original on May 7—just in time for Mother’s Day.

“Brandon’s Still/Born was a tense, frightening film grounded in a tragic story that Shudder members quickly embraced and turned into a hit. We jumped at the chance to work with him again on Z, which were excited to debut next month,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.

“When Still/Born premiered on Shudder on Mother’s Day in 2018, it was clear that they understood what the film was going for and allowed it to shine,” said Christensen. “With Z, we once again have a film about a tortured mother and father, diving into the psyche of what it’s like to have a child with a mind of their own. I’m thrilled to be teaming with Shudder and once again releasing a film on Mother’s Day, where we can both celebrate and terrify mothers once again.”

Z is written by Christensen and Colin Minihan and produced by Chris Ball, Kurtis David Harder, Christensen and Minihan. The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder and by ICM on behalf of the filmmakers. 

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ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Germany. New members can enjoy 30-days free with the promo code SHUTIN when signing up at Shudder.com.

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