The Host

The Host

movie

2013, Action, Adventure

WISE
38%

WISE Score

10

Avg. Tomatometer

Alien body-snatching meets YA romance in this critically panned sci-fi that's more love quadrangle than thought-provoking invasion story.

IMDb5.8
RT Critics10%
MC35
TMDB6.3
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this movie is a mess. The concept had potential—an alien parasite learning to be human, questioning her mission, exploring identity—but instead we get a plodding romance where a girl and the alien possessing her body somehow both pine for different guys. It's confusing, it's slow, and that 10% Rotten Tomatoes score tells you everything.

The film isn't unsafe or inappropriate for teens, but it's just not good. Even the audience score of 50% (compared to critics' 10%) shows that even people inclined to like it were lukewarm. The sci-fi elements are underdeveloped, the romance is overwrought, and the whole thing feels like it's trying to recapture Twilight magic without understanding why that worked (or didn't, depending on who you ask).

If your teen is absolutely dying to see it because they loved the book, fine—it won't harm them. But there are dozens of better sci-fi options that will actually entertain while making them think. This one's a skip unless you're doing a "worst adaptations" marathon.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who are curious about the premise or are Stephenie Meyer completists. The PG-13 content is appropriate for this age, but honestly, most teens will find it boring and dated even though it's only from 2013. Adults won't find much here either.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
55

The premise of a parasitic alien learning empathy and cooperation from her human host offers some positive messaging about connection and humanity. However, the film is built around a love triangle (Wanda/Melanie sharing a body while pursuing two different romantic interests) that creates emotionally confusing dynamics. The tone is earnest but often melodramatic, and the pacing drags significantly in the middle. Models some cooperation and sacrifice, but the romantic entanglements dominate the emotional landscape.

Imaginative
62

The concept of an alien invasion through body-snatching parasites is inherently science fiction, and the twist of the alien resisting her programming to help humans is intriguing. The desert cave hideout setting and the idea of exploring what makes us human through an alien's eyes has creative potential. However, the execution is derivative (Twilight author Stephenie Meyer wrote the source novel, and it shows), and the world-building feels underdeveloped. The film doesn't invite much creative thinking or exploration beyond its premise.

Safe
72

Rated PG-13 by Common Sense Media, this is a relatively tame sci-fi action film. There's some violence (chases, fights, people being captured), but nothing graphic or gory. No nudity or explicit sexual content, though there is romantic content and kissing. The body-snatching concept could be unsettling for younger or sensitive viewers, and there are moments of peril and threat. A few characters die, but these deaths aren't graphic. Overall, it's safe for teens but the alien possession premise might be disturbing for younger kids.

Enriching
48

The film attempts to explore themes of identity, free will, and what makes us human, which could spark interesting discussions. The idea of an alien learning empathy and choosing humanity over her mission has moral weight. However, the execution is shallow—most of the runtime is devoted to a convoluted love quadrangle rather than deeper philosophical questions. The critical reception (10% on Rotten Tomatoes, 35 on Metacritic) reflects that the film fails to deliver meaningful insights or compelling storytelling. It's not intellectually stimulating or particularly skill-building, and the entertainment value is questionable for most viewers.

Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great

  • The premise of an alien developing empathy and choosing humanity over her mission offers interesting moral questions about identity and free will
  • Relatively safe sci-fi action for teens—no graphic violence, gore, or explicit content
  • Could spark discussions about what makes us human and whether our memories define us
  • Saoirse Ronan (pre-Lady Bird fame) does her best with the material, showing early acting chops
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What to Watch For

  • This is widely considered one of the worst sci-fi films of the 2010s—10% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes isn't a typo
  • The love triangle (or quadrangle, since one body contains two consciousnesses) is confusing and dominates the plot
  • Body-snatching/possession concept might be unsettling for younger or sensitive kids
  • Extremely slow pacing—126 minutes feels much longer
  • If your teen loved Twilight they might be more forgiving, but even fans of the book were disappointed

Conversation Starters

  • "If someone else could access all your memories, would they understand who you really are?"
  • "The alien learns empathy from experiencing human emotions—do you think emotions or logic should guide our decisions?"
  • "Would you trust someone who used to be your enemy if they said they'd changed?"
  • "What do you think makes humans worth saving in this story?"
Stills
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