Weekend Watch: The Faculty [1998 Horror/Sci-fi]

While we’re still debating whether aliens exist, The Faculty takes that question and cranks up the paranoia to high school levels. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and featuring a stellar '90s ensemble, including Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, and Clea DuVall, this 1998 sci-fi horror flick imagines what would happen if your teachers were the first ones taken over by alien parasites. Spoiler: it’s just as creepy as it sounds.

At the time of its release, Josh Hartnett was one of the most in-demand young actors in Hollywood, and his role here only further cemented his status as a teen icon. The Faculty also marks Usher’s first major film role, adding a touch of pop culture significance to an already stacked cast.

The film is a slick mix of teen drama, body-snatcher terror, and sharp one-liners. As the students of Herrington High slowly realize their teachers are no longer human, the movie becomes a tense game of who’s-next. There's a blend of Scream-like meta-humor and classic alien invasion tropes, all wrapped up in Rodriguez’s fast-paced, stylized direction. It’s one part Breakfast Club, one part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and all parts creepy fun.

And now that summer’s over and school is back in session, this movie hits a little differently. You might find yourself side-eyeing your own teachers and wondering—are they just tired, or could they actually be aliens?

In a world where we’re still asking whether life exists beyond Earth, The Faculty reminds us that maybe the answer is closer to home than we think. Aliens in your biology class? Now that’s a thought.

But seriously—do you think we’re alone out there?

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