The Host (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 6m
Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, "The Host" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its intense thematic material and some sensuality and sci-fi violence. The plot, concerning an alien parasite named Wanderer inhabiting the body of a human named Melanie, explores mature themes of identity loss, bodily autonomy, suicide, and genocide. The sensuality involves a complex love triangle with several passionate kisses and one scene that… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Host appropriate for kids?
Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, "The Host" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its intense thematic material and some sensuality and sci-fi violence. The plot, concerning an alien parasite named Wanderer inhabiting the body of a human named Melanie, explores mature themes… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Host
What happens in The Host, moment by moment
- 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:21 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Host
Moderate sensuality is a key part of the plot. A central 'love triangle' involves a woman's body inhabited by two consciousnesses, each loving a different man, leading to multiple passionate kisses. In one scene, a man forcefully kisses the protagonist to provoke a reaction. In another, a couple kiss in bed (he is bare-chested, her shoulders are bare) and his upper buttock is briefly visible as they roll over, implying sex. A character asks another to "sleep with me."
Violence and gore in The Host
The film contains moderate, largely non-graphic sci-fi violence. The opening scene shows a woman captured, fighting back, and jumping from a height, resulting in injury. There are several fistfights, struggles, and characters being held at gunpoint. A car chase ends with two men committing suicide by crashing their vehicle into a wall. Another character is implied to have committed suicide via a gunshot off-screen. One character attempts to drown another by holding them underwater.
Language in The Host
Language is very infrequent. The IMDb parents guide notes the use of a few mild obscenities such as 'hell' or 'damn,' as well as some name-calling like 'parasite' and 'brutal.' Overall, profanity is not a significant component of the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Host
Substance abuse is not depicted. The alien 'Souls' use a medical spray to instantly heal wounds and another spray to render humans unconscious for procedures, but there is no recreational drug or alcohol use.
Mature themes in The Host
Thematic content is strong and central to the story. The core premise involves parasitic aliens taking over human bodies, erasing their consciousness, which is a form of identity death and genocide. Characters commit suicide to avoid this fate. A key location is a makeshift medical lab where a human doctor performs fatal experiments on captured Souls, with dead bodies shown. A main character later bargains for her own death, finding life too painful to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Host appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Host is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, "The Host" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its intense thematic material and some sensuality and sci-fi violence. The plot, concerning an alien parasite named Wanderer inhabiting…
What age rating does The Host have?
The Host is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Host about?
Based on the Stephenie Meyer novel, "The Host" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its intense thematic material and some sensuality and sci-fi violence. The plot, concerning an alien parasite named Wanderer inhabiting the body of a human named Melanie, explores mature themes of identity loss, bodily autonomy…
Is there sex or nudity in The Host?
Moderate sensuality is a key part of the plot. A central 'love triangle' involves a woman's body inhabited by two consciousnesses, each loving a different man, leading to multiple passionate kisses. In one scene, a man forcefully kisses the protagonist to…
How violent is The Host?
The film contains moderate, largely non-graphic sci-fi violence. The opening scene shows a woman captured, fighting back, and jumping from a height, resulting in injury. There are several fistfights, struggles, and characters being held at gunpoint. A car…
Is the language in The Host appropriate for kids?
Language is very infrequent. The IMDb parents guide notes the use of a few mild obscenities such as 'hell' or 'damn,' as well as some name-calling like 'parasite' and 'brutal.' Overall, profanity is not a significant component of the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Host?
Substance abuse is not depicted. The alien 'Souls' use a medical spray to instantly heal wounds and another spray to render humans unconscious for procedures, but there is no recreational drug or alcohol use.
What mature themes appear in The Host?
Thematic content is strong and central to the story. The core premise involves parasitic aliens taking over human bodies, erasing their consciousness, which is a form of identity death and genocide. Characters commit suicide to avoid this fate. A key location…
How long is The Host?
The Host runs 126 minutes, directed by Andrew Niccol, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full The Host parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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