A film which is creating quite a buzz at FrightFest 2025 is the new movie from DW Medoff, Your Host which has been described as SAW if it was a game show. We had a quick chat before its premiere.
NYX: Have you always been a fan of horror movies?
DWM: Yeah. I grew up going to the theaters with my dad and watching VHS tapes at home. I was ten when I saw Event Horizon in theaters. I don’t think I can thank my dad for all those Saturday afternoons at the movies.
NYX: How did you become attached to Your Host?
DWM: Seth and Sara Michaels, the producers, reached out to me after seeing my movie I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU ALONE. They asked me to read a script, and after we talked, they invited me to be part of the team. They’re amazing people/producers.
NYX: Were you involved in the casting at all?
DWM: Casting was incredible. We did most of it with UK actors through Heather Basten. So much talent in London. Ultimately we got the perfect actors for the roles, and I couldn’t be happier. Plus the opportunity to work with Jackie and learn from him is a dream.
NYX: How long did it take to get his costume right?
DWM: Weeks! A lot of talking about fabrics, character, and logic. I made our costume designer Claudette Lilly do so much work! She’s amazing. But every part of the costume has a purpose.
NYX: It’s a very intense movie, what was the atmosphere like on set?
DWM: I needed the actors to get to a very dark place, and they didn’t want to hold back. I think we all had fun, but they left a lot of themselves on the stage. It was magic. Dark magic.
NYX: Was there much time to rehearse as the whole cast are superb?
DWM: We had about a week, and everyone bonded super quick. I remember telling them that once we got to set I would be focused and serious, but because we were all so close I was not able to stop joking around with them. A few very grim scenes were almost ruined by fits of giggles.
NYX: What’s it like directing someone so iconic as Jackie Earle Haley?
DWM: He’s a force of nature. We talked a lot about his character and the movie in prep. Once he and I were on the same page, I let him loose in front of the camera. I learned a lot from Jackie and I’m very grateful for the experience.
NYX: Do you have a favourite game they play?
DWM: I loved spinning that wheel!
NYX: The effects are excellent, which sequence is your favourite and which one was the hardest to realise?
DWM: I love them all. Don’t make me choose.
NYX: It’s been described as “Saw meets The Price is Right”, would you agree?
DWM: I didn’t intend for it to be, but I’ll take it as a compliment. James Wan is one of the horror greats. When I was sick as a kid, I stayed at my grandma’s apartment, and we watched The Price is Right on her black and white TV. I sound really old saying that, but she just didn’t want a colour TV!
NYX: This is your third feature, what lessons in directing did you learn from you first pieces?
DWM: Always listen to your team and empower people to share ideas. We all love movies. That’s why we make them together. Filmmaking is a collaborative art.
NYX: What’s your favourite game show?
DWM: Jeopardy. As long as no one is keeping score and we’re yelling out answers.
NYX: Will you be nervous when the movie has its UK premiere at FrightFest 2025?
DWM: Here’s the thing about me. I’m always nervous. I hope people enjoy the movie.
NYX: So, what are you up to at the moment?
DWM: Writing, editing, rewriting. Trying to polish my stories and working to bring them to life. Hopefully soon. Other than that, hanging out with my dog. He’s the little monster that lives in my home.
NYX: DW Medoff, thank you very much.
DWM: Thank you
