Released in 1998 and directed by Robert Rodriguez, The Faculty is a thrilling mix of teen drama, sci-fi horror, and mystery that quickly became a cult classic. With its high school setting and a plot that involves alien invasion, the film takes a fresh twist on the typical horror genre. Packed with teen angst, quirky characters, and an ensemble cast, The Faculty is a fun and thrilling ride, still remembered for its unique premise and exciting action sequences.
The story is set in a typical American high school, where strange things begin happening after an odd series of events. The students of Herrington High start noticing that their teachers are acting weird—paranoid, cold, and increasingly hostile. As the students start investigating, they discover that their teachers have been taken over by alien parasites that are slowly taking control of the school. The only way to stop the aliens from taking over completely is for a group of misfit students to band together, fight back, and save the school from total destruction.
The film focuses on a group of teens—Casey (Elijah Wood), Delilah (Jordana Brewster), Stokely (Clea DuVall), Zeke (Josh Hartnett), and others—who are forced to face the invasion head-on. With the help of their eccentric science teacher, they must find a way to defeat the alien threat before it spreads to the rest of the town and beyond.
The Faculty cleverly balances the usual teenage drama with the thrills of a sci-fi horror movie. The teens are your typical high school misfits, dealing with everything from popularity issues to rebellion against authority. But once the alien invasion begins, these relatable characters are thrust into an extraordinary situation where they must rise to the occasion.
The film works on multiple levels: it captures the typical high school tropes while adding a layer of sci-fi horror that ramps up the tension. Watching the students who are usually at odds with their teachers now fighting together for survival is both entertaining and surprisingly relatable.
One of the standout features of The Faculty is its ensemble cast, which includes some rising stars of the time. Elijah Wood, fresh off The Lord of the Rings, plays the shy, nerdy Casey, who steps up to become the unlikely hero. Josh Hartnett, playing the rebellious Zeke, is another fan favorite, bringing both charm and depth to his character. Clea DuVall’s portrayal of the misfit Stokely adds a sense of vulnerability, while Jordana Brewster shines as the popular, confident Delilah.
The film also features solid performances from veteran actors like Piper Laurie, Robert Patrick, and Salma Hayek, adding to the overall enjoyment and suspense of the movie.
The movie delivers plenty of thrills, with intense action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The alien parasite threat escalates quickly, and as the students discover the full extent of the invasion, the film shifts gears into an action-packed survival story. From high-speed chases to creepy body-snatching scenes, The Faculty keeps the tension high throughout, blending suspense, action, and horror seamlessly.
Rodriguez’s direction ensures the film stays fast-paced, delivering plenty of suspenseful moments and thrilling set pieces. The visual style adds to the excitement, with dynamic camera angles and eerie lighting that elevate the alien threat.
Though The Faculty may be remembered for its sci-fi horror and teen drama elements, it also offers subtle commentary on the pressures of conformity, peer relationships, and authority. The film explores how easily people can be influenced and controlled, making it an interesting social commentary wrapped in an exciting genre film.
It is a story about outsiders coming together, facing adversity, and learning to trust each other, making it both an entertaining and meaningful watch. The high school setting allows the film to touch on themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for personal freedom, while the sci-fi horror elements provide a fresh way of telling that story.
The Faculty remains a fun, nostalgic blend of sci-fi horror and teen drama. Its engaging characters, thrilling action, and suspenseful atmosphere make it a memorable watch. While it may not have received major critical acclaim upon release, it has since garnered a loyal following, making it a cult classic. Whether you’re a fan of horror, teen films, or science fiction, The Faculty delivers a little bit of everything—fun, scares, and a dash of social commentary—making it a must-watch for genre lovers.
