The Faculty
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Faculty
The Faculty (1998) is a science fiction horror film that blends classic body-snatcher tropes with a late 1990s teen-drama aesthetic. The plot centers on a group of high school students who discover that their teachers and other faculty members are being systematically taken over by extraterrestrial parasites. As paranoia escalates, this unlikely group of misfits—including a nerd, a jock, a cheerleader, a goth, and a drug dealer—must unite to fight the alien invasion and save humanity. The film features a star-studded cast and is known for its blend of suspense, dark humor, and practical effects. Due to its intense violence, pervasive strong language, depictions of drug use, and some sexual content, the movie is intended for mature audiences.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains frequent and graphic violence, earning its R rating. This includes multiple stabbings with visible blood and grotesque alien-related injuries and transformations. Characters endure severe physical attacks, and the aliens' vulnerability to a specific substance results in explicit, albeit non-human, deaths.
Principal Drake (Bebe Neuwirth) is graphically stabbed through the hand with a pencil by Coach Willis, who then states, 'I've always wanted to do that.' Later, Mrs. Olson (Piper Laurie) stabs Principal Drake multiple times with scissors. Zeke Tyler (Josh Hartnett) amputates Mr. Furlong's (Jon Stewart) fingers with a paper cutter and then injects him in the eye with a drug, causing his alien host to die explicitly.
Profanity
The film features pervasive strong language and profanity throughout, contributing significantly to its R rating. Characters, particularly the teenagers, frequently use expletives, including the 'f-word' and other offensive terms, in casual conversation and moments of stress.
Substance Use
Substance use is a central plot device, with a main character, Zeke Tyler, manufacturing and distributing a powdered caffeine 'drug' referred to as 'scat.' This substance is explicitly used by the protagonists to identify and kill the alien parasites, effectively presenting drug use as a heroic and life-saving act. Adult alcohol use is also present.
Scary & Intense Content
As a horror and sci-fi thriller, 'The Faculty' contains numerous scary and intense sequences designed to evoke fear and suspense. These include jump scares, unsettling body horror involving alien transformations, moments of extreme paranoia and mistrust among characters, and graphically depicted violent deaths.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect for authority and themes of rebellion are central to the film's narrative. The teenage protagonists are pitted against all adult figures (teachers, principal, coach), who are possessed by aliens. The film validates the students' distrust and defiance, portraying their rebellious nature and willingness to fight adults as essential for survival and heroism.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
17+ (R-rated): The film is rated R by the MPAA for violence/gore, strong language, drug use, and some nudity. Its themes, graphic content, and mature subject matter are unsuitable for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The film does not have sequels or adaptations that significantly alter its core parental concerns. The content largely remains consistent throughout its single theatrical release. No credible disagreements or gaps in information were found beyond the interpretive nature of some themes.
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