The Faculty: Movie Review 2025

In the late 1990s, a wave of teen-oriented sci-fi and horror films gripped audiences, blending high school drama with supernatural elements. Among these, The Faculty (1998), directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson, stood out as a unique mix of alien invasion, teen angst, and high-octane thrills. With its all-star cast, clever narrative, and perfect balance of horror and humor, The Faculty remains a cult classic. Set in a high school where students and teachers alike fall victim to an alien parasite, the film taps into the universal fear of the unknown and the invasion of personal identity. Even decades later, The Faculty continues to be a memorable and entertaining ride for those who enjoy a good mix of sci-fi, horror, and teen drama.

The Story: A Battle for Control at Herrington High

The Faculty begins at Herrington High, a seemingly typical American high school. However, things take a dark turn when strange behavior starts emerging among the faculty members. The teachers begin acting erratically, with some students noticing increasingly strange and hostile behaviors from their once-familiar educators. It quickly becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.

A group of students, each with their own unique characteristics and struggles, bands together to uncover the truth. This diverse group includes Casey (Elijah Wood), a shy and intelligent outcast; Delilah (Jordana Brewster), a popular and ambitious reporter; Stan (Shawn Hatosy), a jock who is starting to question his place in the world; and Zeke (Josh Hartnett), a rebellious troublemaker. As they dig deeper, they discover that the faculty members have been taken over by alien parasites that are trying to infiltrate and control the entire school, and soon, the town.

As the students fight to survive and expose the truth, they must deal with their own personal struggles and work together to stop the alien invasion before it spreads beyond their school. The students must learn to trust one another and overcome their differences as they face an enemy they cannot even begin to understand. Watch the movie on YouTube TV in Canada, YouTube TV in UK, YouTube TV in Australia and YouTube TV in Mexico.

A Unique Blend of Teen Drama, Horror, and Sci-Fi

What sets The Faculty apart from other teen horror films is its unique ability to blend different genres into a single cohesive narrative. At its core, the film is a sci-fi horror movie that plays on the alien-invasion trope, but it also incorporates themes of adolescence, peer pressure, and self-discovery. The characters are typical high school archetypes: the nerd, the jock, the rebel, the popular girl—but they are fleshed out in a way that feels fresh, with each one dealing with their own personal issues and growth throughout the film.

The alien invasion itself serves as a metaphor for the pressures and conformity faced by teenagers. Just as the aliens take over the minds and bodies of the teachers, the students in The Faculty must fight against a world that seeks to control and define them. The fear of losing one’s identity and becoming part of the collective is a recurring theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the need to rebel against societal expectations.

Another standout feature of the film is its pacing. The Faculty starts off with the eerie tension of something being "off" and gradually builds up to an all-out battle between the students and the alien-infected faculty. There’s just enough suspense to keep viewers on edge, while the horror elements are balanced by humor and wit, making the film engaging without being too dark or heavy.

The Cast: Teen Stars and Established Talent

The ensemble cast of The Faculty is one of the reasons the film continues to stand the test of time. In 1998, many of the actors were still in the early stages of their careers, and their performances helped elevate the film from a simple teen horror flick to a cult classic.

Elijah Wood, known for his later role as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, plays Casey, the outsider who ultimately becomes the unlikely hero. Wood’s portrayal of a sensitive, intelligent teenager is relatable and endearing, giving the film a heart amid the chaos. Josh Hartnett, fresh off his success in Halloween H20, plays Zeke, the disillusioned rebel with a knack for science. Hartnett’s performance is one of the standout parts of the film, capturing the perfect balance of defiance and vulnerability.

Jordana Brewster brings her charm and fierceness to the role of Delilah, the popular girl who wants to have it all, while Shawn Hatosy plays Stan, the athlete who struggles to break free from the stereotypes of high school. The chemistry among the young cast is palpable, and their dynamics are believable, making their friendship and struggles feel real.

The film also features veteran actors like Salma Hayek, Robert Patrick, and Famke Janssen, who play teachers and faculty members slowly taken over by the alien parasites. Their performances add depth and gravitas to the film, with Hayek playing a seductive biology teacher, Patrick as a seemingly stern football coach, and Janssen portraying a seemingly innocent but ultimately deadly faculty member.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Since its release, The Faculty has gone on to develop a loyal fan base, especially among fans of 90s horror and sci-fi. While it didn’t dominate the box office upon its initial release, the film has since found its place in pop culture, frequently referenced in other media and often included in discussions of cult classics.

Part of the film's lasting appeal lies in its clever writing, unique mix of horror and humor, and memorable quotes. Fans of the film still quote lines from The Faculty and recall the film’s standout moments, such as the high-energy finale and the shocking twist regarding the faculty’s true nature.

Additionally, The Faculty touches on themes that remain relevant today—peer pressure, conformity, and the desire for personal agency. The alien parasites serve as a metaphor for the societal forces that try to control and mold us, making it a film that resonates on both an entertaining and philosophical level.

Conclusion: A Thrilling Ride That’s Still Relevant

The Faculty remains one of the most fun and engaging teen sci-fi/horror films of the late 90s. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy movie that blends alien horror with teen drama, delivering a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The film’s unique characters, clever writing, and blend of genres make it a standout in the teen horror genre, and its themes of rebellion and identity continue to resonate with audiences today. For anyone looking for a nostalgic, yet timeless film, The Faculty is definitely worth revisiting.