The Host
Almost the entire human race has been taken over by parasitic aliens. Don’t worry, that’s not a public service announcement, just the setting for our first movie today. The aliens take over the body and mind of the host body, but can still access the memories of the human they inhabit – scary stuff. A small group of humans still remain and form a resistance to try and combat the aliens (yay!); but one of them, Melanie, is taken over and the aliens plan to use her memories to gain access to and crush the human rebellion. Will she compromise the safety of the people she cares about the most, or is there still enough of her old-self left to take down the aliens?
Adapted from a novel from Twilight’s Stephanie Meyer, this is a rom-sci-fi that her fans will not want to miss.
The English Teacher
In our second movie of the week, Julianne Moore plays English teacher Linda, who lives a quiet life in a small Pennsylvanian town. The unexpected return of one of her former students, Jason, is about to change all that. Failed playwright, Jason, is disheartened after not succeeding in New York and Linda steps out of her comfort zone and campaigns to produce his play at the school. This decision leads to a not-so-quiet life for Linda, with challenges, romance, laughs, and minor hospitalisation along the way.
Eden
Eden tells the tale of a young Korean-American girl who is abducted by human traffickers and forced into prostitution. In a bid to survive, she agrees to join forces with her captors. This harsh drama is based on a true story, gaining critical acclaim and awards after its premiere at the South by Southwest film festival.
Chimpanzee: A Secret Life
Our final movie of the week is high on the cute factor, but what Disney movie wouldn’t be complete without an animal losing its parents? Chimpanzee is a live action movie telling the story of Oscar, a young Chimpanzee who, following an attack by another group of Chimps, loses his family and is left orphaned. It’s not all sadness: Oscar is adopted by an unlikely alpha male, and Tim Allen narrates their blossoming friendship.
This as adorable as they come, but keep tissues at the ready.
