THE HOST

Welcome to a world finally free of war, pollution and disease. Oh, and humans.

Based on the novel from worldwide bestselling author Stephenie Meyer (Twilight Saga), The Host envisages a future in which an unseen alien race called ‘Souls’ have taken over not just the earth, but the bodies and minds of all humans. Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones) plays strong-willed Melanie Stryder, one of the few remaining survivors. During Melanie’s efforts to find her 11-year old runaway brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury) and her love-struck boyfriend Jared (Max Irons), she is captured and implanted with a ‘Soul’ named Wanderer. A (sometimes catty and amusing) battle of persuasion to find and secure the safety of Jared and Jamie ensues, which carries an otherwise mediocre plot along with a bit of good humour. (BH)

**1/2

BY BRETT HENEBERY