Review of The Host (2013) by Travis H — 08 Oct 2013

Never let it be said that Twilight author Stephenie Meyer doesn't know her audience. She knows them all too well, in fact, and if she was able to convince an army of 15 year old girls (and more than a few bored housewives) that the stagnant relationship between a human girl and a tortured vampire was plausible, then she can convince them of anything. She pushes the boundaries of believability to ridiculous degrees with The Host, a film that is no less dull than her previous works, but earns points for being so ludicrous it must be seen to be believed.

Directed with typical glossy style by the supremely talented Andrew Niccol, The Host has a slick sheen about it similar to the filmmaker's last effort, In Time. But anyone who thought that film and its politics were confusing, prepare for an epic sci-fi headscratcher, certainly far more of a mental workout than the target demo is willing to invest in. Saoirse Ronan is Melanie Stryder, one of the last remnants of a humanity that has been overrun by benevolent alien "Souls" so shiny it's like the Cullens stepped outside for a mid-day stroll. These parasitic creatures possess their human hosts and take over their minds, which may sound horrible but the upshot is that there's no more war or injustice.

Living a life of bliss with her boyfriend Jared (Max Irons) and young brother, Melanie is eventually captured and overtaken by Wanderer, a Soul who has been around for centuries. Mel's spirit is so strong that Wanderer can't completely take her over, and we hear through Ronan's absurd and flatly delivered narration both sides arguing with one another. It's like a schizophrenic Laurel & Hardy routine, and not even an adept young actress like Ronan can make it work.

The Souls are led by a "Seeker" (Diane Kruger) who wants Melanie to reveal the humans' hidden bunker, but matters only get more complicated when Wanderer begins to feel compassion for her human host, and lust for a hunky young human (Jake Abel) who may or may not have feelings for her as well? It's a tough nut to crack, and leads some some really awkward scenes where multiple guys are in love with Melanie and Wanderer at the same time. It gets even creepier when this full-blown love rectangle leads to some disturbing kissing scenes, and the crazy realization that one of these guys is really in love with a parasite. It's possible that Meyer, and by extension Niccol who also adapted the script, is trying to make some sort of larger point about true love being about more than just physical appearance. But that message is trampled by Emily Browning's cameo, which seems only to be to prove that love is all about superficiality.

Meyer continues her practice of creating gorgeous characters with all the personality of a shopping mall mannequin. Ronan has done some of her best work at portraying the tragically flawed, but she can't do anything with this absurd concept. Veteran actor William Hurt is on total auto-pilot as the film's one old guy. He seems to only be there because the two young dudes are basically impossible to distinguish. Only Kruger manages a few moments of inspiration when the pacifism of her people clashes with her dogged determination in seeing humanity wiped out.

Those who found Twilight nauseating will find The Host has the same overlong runtime, cornball characters, and artificially pumped up romantic stakes. Only those who have been possessed by Meyer's past work need bother, and it may even be too bizarre for them.