The Host: A Monster Flick with a Dash of Heart

Hey film enthusiasts! So, yesterday evening around Fika time, I decided to watch “The Host,” directed by Bong Joon-ho. You know, the guy who gave us “Parasite” and made us all paranoid about basements? This 2006 gem is one wild ride – almost like marrying a Godzilla rampage with a Bergman family drama.

The story kicks off when a clumsy military guy spills a ton of chemicals into Seoul’s water. Not exactly the way you want to make an entrance, but it sets off a chain of events that births a weird, scaly beast swanning around the Han River. Enter Song Kang-ho, an actor who could probably make reading IKEA instructions compelling. He plays a slightly dim-witted snack-bar owner who, together with his quirky family, is hurled into a frenzy when the creature kidnaps his daughter.

What I love (and laugh) about this movie is how it blends political commentary with slapstick humor. I mean, one minute you’re contemplating governmental incompetence, and the next, you’re giggling as characters trip over themselves. It’s sort of like watching the Swedish parliament in action!

I remember a very cold December back in Stockholm when I first saw “The Host.” I was at a retro cinema, with that distinct aroma of popcorn mixed with dust. In the row behind me, a couple was whispering, “Is that a dolphin or a whale monster?” Ah, the sweet sound of confused moviegoers. But that’s what Bong does, innit? Keeps you guessing, mixing horror, humor, and a sprinkle of existential dread.

While the effects might not blow today’s digital socks off, there’s something charming about the tactile chaos of the creature. You can almost feel the slimy residue it would leave behind – like stepping into a herring spill at your local fiskmarknad.

So, if you’re looking for something that’s more than just a creature feature, with layers like a good prinsesstårta, “The Host” is your pick. It’s bizarre, it’s hilarious, and it leaves you wanting to discuss conspiracy theories over a strong cup of coffee. Skål!

Check the trailer below