The Host
The Host is a science fiction romance film released in 2013, adapted from the novel by Stephenie Meyer, known for the Twilight Saga. The story is set on an Earth that has been largely colonized by an alien race called 'Souls,' who take over human bodies. The narrative follows Melanie Stryder, a human rebel whose body is inhabited by a Soul named Wanderer. However, Melanie's consciousness resists, leading to an internal struggle and an unusual coexistence between the two entities within one body. The film explores themes of identity, humanity, and the power of love, as Wanderer, influenced by Melanie's memories and emotions, begins to empathize with humans and falls into a complex love triangle with two young men, one loved by Melanie and one by Wanderer. Targeting a teenage and young adult audience, particularly fans of Meyer's previous works, the film contains elements of action, adventure, and drama alongside its central romance. Parental reviews suggest it is suitable for mature audiences due to its violent and disturbing scenes, as well as its sexual references.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains moderate to high levels of violence, including physical altercations, chase scenes, implied suicide, and graphic depictions of injuries and death. The violence is often central to the plot as humans resist alien occupation.
Examples include Melanie being chased by Hosts and hitting them with a steel pipe before falling from a balcony and lying unconscious. Another instance shows Melanie's father holding a gun to his head, followed by a gunshot, strongly implying suicide. There are also scenes of medical violence, such as Melanie undergoing a surgical procedure where a laser cuts her neck to insert an alien creature. Additionally, a female Host mistakenly shoots another Host in the head, with visible blood splattering and pooling.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie features significant romantic and suggestive sexual content, including passionate kissing, discussions about sex, and scenes implying sexual activity with partial nudity.
Melanie and Jared discuss having sex, with Melanie stating, 'I want to', 'When you touch me I don't want you to stop', and 'Sleep with me'. In a bedroom scene, Melanie and a young man (Jared) are shown kissing in bed; Melanie is wearing a tank top under bedclothes, while the young man is naked but partially covered by bedclothes. Melanie swims naked in a cave lake, though only her bare shoulders are visible. The film also features several scenes of Melanie and Wanderer/Melanie passionately kissing two different men.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie features intense and potentially frightening situations, including a constant threat from the alien invaders, disturbing medical procedures, scenes of self-harm, and implied suicides.
Disturbing scenes include Melanie being captured and having an alien surgically implanted into her neck, shown with a laser cutting the skin and an alien creature being inserted. The film also contains psychological intensity through Melanie's internal struggle with the alien Wanderer sharing her body. Another intense scene involves Melanie's father committing suicide by gunshot. The 'Hosts' themselves, with their silver irises and black pupils, are depicted as visually unsettling.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film's core premise revolves around human rebellion against an oppressive alien regime. Protagonist Melanie, and other human survivors, actively fight against and defy the alien 'Souls' who have invaded Earth.
Melanie Stryder is a resistance fighter who actively evades and fights against the alien 'Seekers' who hunt down remaining humans. Her internal struggle with Wanderer represents a powerful act of defiance against the alien's attempt to fully control her body and mind.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThere is no explicit or implied LGBTQ+ or gender identity content found within 'The Host' (2013). The central romantic plot involves a heterosexual love triangle, where the alien Wanderer, inhabiting Melanie's body, develops feelings for a different male character than Melanie's original love interest.
The film's core romance revolves around a love triangle involving Melanie/Wanderer and two male characters, Jared and Ian, without any indication of LGBTQ+ themes.
Profanity
LowThe film includes infrequent use of low-level coarse language and name-calling, which is not pervasive or extremely offensive.
Examples of language include phrases such as 'She's so full of it,' 'parasite,' 'oh my god,' 'sorry arse,' and 'what the hell.' These instances are not frequent and are typically mild in nature.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or spells in 'The Host' (2013). The supernatural elements are exclusively science fiction-based, dealing with alien invasion and body possession by a parasitic alien species.
The conflict is based on an alien race called 'Souls' invading Earth and implanting themselves into human hosts, which is a science fiction premise, not occult.
Substance Use
LowThe film depicts the use of a fictional atomized spray by the alien 'Hosts' to render humans unconscious. There is no explicit depiction or promotion of illegal drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking by human characters.
The alien 'Hosts' utilize a special atomized spray as a tool to subdue or incapacitate humans, making them unconscious.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes or content are present in 'The Host' (2013). The film's primary conflict and thematic elements are centered on science fiction concepts of alien invasion, identity, and love, rather than religious doctrine or criticism.
The narrative focuses on humanity's struggle against an alien parasitic race and personal relationships, without engaging in religious commentary or anti-Christian messaging.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Not recommended for children under 13, with parental guidance recommended for ages 13-15, and suitable for those 15 and over. This is due to the presence of moderate violence, disturbing themes (including suicide and body invasion), partial nudity, and suggestive romantic content.
Additional Notes
The internal conflict between Melanie and Wanderer sharing one body might be confusing for younger viewers. The film is also noted for its lengthy runtime (125 minutes), which could be a factor for some audiences. Product placement for luxury cars is present.
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