The Host (2013) is a science fiction romantic thriller film directed by Andrew Niccol, based on the novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer, who is also known as the author of the Twilight series. The film is set in a dystopian future where parasitic aliens called “Spirits” have taken over Earth and its inhabitants, controlling human bodies and erasing their memories.
Plot Summary:
The story follows Melanie Stryder (played by Saoirse Ronan), a young woman who is one of the few survivors to escape alien control. She is eventually captured by the “Seekers”, enforcers of the alien race, and a Spirit named Wanderer is implanted into her body. Unlike most humans, Melanie’s consciousness resists being completely erased and lives in her own mind, forcing Wanderer to coexist with her.
As Wanderer becomes aware of Melanie’s powerful emotions and memories, she begins to empathize with humans. Melanie convinces Wanderer to help her reunite with her loved ones, including her brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury) and boyfriend Jared Howe (Max Irons), who are part of a group of survivors in hiding. The film explores Wanderer’s internal struggle as she experiences human emotions for the first time, including love and compassion, while remaining bound to her alien purpose.
Main Characters:
Melanie Stryder/Wanderer (Saoirse Ronan): The main character whose body is possessed by Wanderer, a Spirit. Melanie fights to keep her consciousness alive, and her relationship with Wanderer becomes central to the plot.
Jared Howe (Max Irons): Melanie’s boyfriend, part of the human resistance, and struggling with the fact that Melanie’s body is now possessed by Wanderer.
Ian O’Shea (Jake Abel): A member of the human resistance who becomes close to Wanderer, developing romantic feelings for her.
The Seeker (Diane Kruger): A resilient Spirit tasked with tracking down and converting humans, and becomes obsessed with finding Wanderer/Melanie.
The Host received mixed to negative reviews from critics, some of whom praised Saoirse Ronan’s performance but criticized the film for its slow pacing and lack of tension. It was noted that the film’s premise was intriguing, but the execution failed to capitalize on its potential. Despite its flaws, the film gained attention for its association with Stephenie Meyer, author of the hugely successful Twilight series.
The film combines elements of science fiction with romance, and like Twilight, it has a love triangle at its core. However, The Host also tackles deeper questions about identity, the nature of humanity, and the moral implications of alien invasion.
