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The Host
2013 126 min Switzerland, United States of America PG-13 12+
★5.1
Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Director: Andrew Niccol
🎭 Based on
«The Host»
byStephenie Meyer
Trailers
Description
A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race's mission of taking over the Earth, "Wanda" (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans.
Budget:
$44M
US Gross:
$26.63M
Worldwide:
$63.3M
Starring
Saoirse Ronan
Actor
Max Irons
Actor
Jake Abel
Actor
Awards
1 win & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
The Host is a divisive adaptation that struggles to translate the depth of Stephenie Meyer’s source material into a coherent cinematic experience. While some viewers appreciate its contemplative tone and visual aesthetic, many critics and fans find the pacing rushed, the plot confusing, and the romantic elements melodramatic.
| Production | The film excels in its production design, particularly the beautiful, evocative natural scenery and realistic cave environments. | |
| Acting | Saoirse Ronan provides a commendable performance, effectively navigating the challenge of portraying two distinct personalities within one body. | |
| Screenplay | The script is widely criticized for being hollow and failing to explain key narrative mechanics, leaving non-readers confused. | |
| Runtime | The adaptation is undermined by a rushed pace; the two-hour runtime forces the compression of complex source material, resulting in a fragmented story. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the acting quality are split: some find the young cast competent and engaging, while others view the performances as wooden, unconvincing, or miscast. | |
| Pacing | The film's tone is polarizing: some appreciate the calm, contemplative, and character-focused approach, while others find it boring, devoid of necessary tension, and overly reliant on teen melodrama. |