What Is Home About?
The premise of Home in 253 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world suddenly turned upside‑down by the arrival of the Boov—bright‑hued, hyper‑curious aliens who reshape cities with a whimsical, almost careless flair—Earth’s familiar rhythm is replaced by a playful, interstellar chaos. The Boov’s unconventional presence brings a kaleidoscope of color and noise to everyday life, turning streets into stages for accidental comedy and surprising technology. The film’s tone balances the absurdity of an alien takeover with a heartfelt wonder, inviting viewers to experience a city that feels both familiar and delightfully alien.
_ Tip_, a spirited pre‑teen with a fierce devotion to her mother, is thrust into the upheaval as her neighbourhood is swept away. Armed with quick wit, a trusty cat named Pig, and an unshakable determination to reunite with her family, she becomes a reluctant explorer of the new, Boov‑populated landscape. Her journey is as much about navigating the external disarray as it is about confronting her own feelings of loss and anger, all while discovering unexpected corners of courage within herself.
When Oh, an outcast from the Boov community, crosses paths with Tip, the two form an unlikely partnership that sparks both humor and tension. Oh’s off‑beat personality and unconventional approach to problem‑solving contrast sharply with Tip’s grounded resourcefulness, creating a dynamic that drives the story forward. Together they set out on a vivid, intergalactic adventure that hints at deeper questions of belonging, acceptance, and the true meaning of home—all while the whimsical backdrop of an Earth reinvented by alien imagination keeps the tone light, curious, and full of possibility.
What Happens in Home?
The complete story of Home, from the first scene to the last, in 802 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
On the run from their formidable adversary, the planet-devouring Gorg, the Boov, a species with a unique talent for fleeing, discover Earth to be a prime candidate for their new “home.” Under the leadership of Captain Smek, they initiate their seemingly “friendly” takeover, which involves relocating the humans—whom they consider simplistic and backward—by temporarily reversing the planet’s gravity and vacuuming them from their homes. The humans are sent to a designated area in Australia dubbed Humanstown, while the Boov settle into their newly acquired residences in what they claim is a swift and bloodless conquest.
Among the Boov is Oh, a spirited and unconventional individual who dares to host a housewarming party in his apartment, disregarding the group’s traditional aversion to him. The Boov have an intriguing trait of shifting colors according to their emotional states, adding to the whimsy of their character.
Close by is a preteen girl named Tip, who, determined to reunite with her mother, Lucy, embarks on an adventurous drive through her city, accompanied by her calico cat named Pig. While navigating her feelings of anger towards the Boov for their invasion, she is hell-bent on finding her mother after the chaos separates them.
In a twist of fate, Oh crosses paths with a Boov police officer named Kyle, who, like most of the Boov, rejects Oh’s attempts at friendship. Excitedly, Oh sends out a mass invitation for his party, mistakenly hitting the “send all” button, which inadvertently informs every alien species in the galaxy, including the Gorg, of their location. With a countdown of 40 hours before the Gorg catch wind of their whereabouts, chaos ensues as every alien race aggressively pursues Oh.
To evade capture, Oh ducks into a convenience store, only to collide with Tip and Pig. Initially, she is furious with him for his role in the invasion, yet they realize they must join forces to rebuild her car, which has broken down. Ingeniously, Oh transforms it into a remarkable, hovering vehicle fueled by Slushies, dubbing it “Slushious.” He offers Tip a ride under the condition that he helps her locate Lucy. Their journey necessitates a visit to the Boov Command Center in Paris.
Meanwhile, Smek is in a frantic quest to cancel Oh’s disastrous invite, but finds himself struggling as Oh has set an unconventional password for his account. Oh reminisces about a peace meeting that Smek ran from, clutching the Shusher, a significant artifact embedded in his royal scepter.
As Tip and Oh’s path entwines, they encounter challenges, including Oh’s desires to abandon Tip for Antarctica, the only area free from Boov presence. Oh slowly grasps the depth of Tip’s emotional plight in missing her mother. In an attempt to disguise Oh to aid them in Paris, Tip uses her makeup skills.
Upon reaching the Boov Command Center within the iconic Eiffel Tower, Oh manages to access his account and delete the mass invite just in time. Thanks to his ingenuity, they trace Lucy’s whereabouts to Australia, where she is likewise searching for Tip. However, the other Boov catch up with Oh and Tip, and amidst the turmoil, Tip manipulates the gravity system, upending the entire Tower.
As they attempt to flee to Australia, a chase ensues with a Gorg ship looming ominously close. After a daring intervention where they manage to crash the Gorg ship, Oh retrieves a vital chip, reviving their Slushie-powered vehicle, propelling them toward Australia. Upon their arrival, they witness the Boov evacuating aboard their mothership. Tip yearns to find her mother, but Oh suggests they must escape. The emotional stakes rise when Tip realizes Oh lied about Lucy’s safety, leading her to confront him about his betrayal.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Oh returns to the mothership destined for the Boov, but the Gorg ship intercepts them. Realizing he must take action, Oh uses the Gorg chip to steer the Boov ship away, drawing the admiration of fellow Boov. Smek, seeing the chaos, reluctantly acknowledges Oh’s leadership qualities, bequeathing the captaincy upon him.
Tip frantically roams the city in search of Lucy, with Oh ultimately rejoining her to help locate her mother. They succeed in reuniting, and as a massive Gorg mothership descends, Oh comprehends that the rock on the Shusher is the key to greater revelations. He bravely confronts the Gorg Commander, who turns out to be a harmless entity, grateful for the return of the rock, which harbors the species’ future generations.
Fast forward two weeks, the humans resume their lives in their original homes. Oh finally celebrates his long-awaited party, welcoming both humans and Boov alike. Tip shares her music, encouraging all to partake in the wonder of dancing, while other Boov join the festivities across the moon, and ships from distant planets, even the Gorg, flock to Earth to revel in Oh’s joyful celebration.
Home Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Boov Discover Earth” to “Celebration of Unity”. 15 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Boov Discover Earth
On the run from their enemy, the Gorg, the Boov find Earth to be a perfect safe haven. They initiate a takeover, seeing the planet as an ideal place to settle their species.
Where:Earth
- 2
Human Relocation Begins
Under the command of Captain Smek, the Boov commence their 'friendly' takeover of Earth. They employ a bizarre method of temporarily reversing gravity and vacuuming humans from their homes to a designated area called Humanstown in Australia.
Where:Humanstown, Australia
- 3
Oh's Housewarming Party
Amidst the invasion chaos, Oh, a quirky Boov, decides to host a housewarming party in his apartment. This act defies the typical behavior of his species, showcasing his unconventional spirit.
Where:Boov Apartment
- 4
Tip's Quest for Her Mother
Preteen Tip embarks on a mission to find her mother, Lucy, after being separated due to the Boov's actions. Accompanied by her calico cat Pig, she drives through the city grappling with her anger toward the Boov.
Where:City
- 5
Oh's Mistaken Invitation
In a twist of fate, Oh mistakenly sends a mass party invitation to every alien species in the galaxy. This action unintentionally alerts the Gorg of their presence, creating a countdown of 40 hours before they arrive.
Where:Boov Apartment
- 6
Oh and Tip's Collision
In an attempt to evade capture from the upcoming Gorg, Oh ducks into a convenience store only to bump into Tip and her cat. Initially at odds, they soon realize that their survival depends on collaborating to fix Tip's broken-down car.
Where:Convenience Store
- 7
Creation of Slushious
Oh uses his inventive skills to transform Tip's defunct car into a floating vehicle, which he dubs 'Slushious,' utilizing Slushies as fuel. He proposes a deal: he helps Tip find her mother if she takes him along.
Where:Convenience Store
- 8
Journey to Paris
Tip and Oh set off towards the Boov Command Center located in Paris with plans to locate Lucy. They face numerous obstacles, but their determination to work together solidifies their partnership.
Where:En route to Paris
- 9
Accessing the Boov Command Center
Upon reaching the Boov Command Center inside the Eiffel Tower, Oh successfully enters his account to delete the mass invite to avert disaster. This critical action sharpens their focus on locating Lucy.
Where:Boov Command Center, Paris
- 10
The Gravity Manipulation Escape
As chaos erupts within the Command Center, Tip manipulates the gravity system, causing the Eiffel Tower to upend. They must escape quickly as the other Boov discover their efforts.
Where:Eiffel Tower, Paris
Show the other 5 events of Home Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Chase by the Gorg Ship
With the Gorg ship in close pursuit, Oh and Tip make a daring escape. They manage to crash the Gorg ship, which allows Oh to retrieve a vital chip necessary for reviving their vehicle.
Where:Above Australia
- 12
Confronting the Gorg
The situation escalates when Oh uses the retrieved Gorg chip to steer the Boov ship away from danger, earning the respect of fellow Boov. Captain Smek reluctantly acknowledges Oh's bravery and leadership skills.
Where:Boov Ship
- 13
Reuniting with Lucy
In a frantic search across the city, Tip finally reunites with her mother, Lucy. Their heartfelt moment occurs amidst the looming threat of the Gorg mothership, but the joy of the reunion prevails.
Where:City
- 14
Facing the Gorg Commander
Oh bravely confronts the Gorg Commander, who surprisingly turns out to be harmless, seeking the rock that contains his species' legacy. This revelation shifts the dynamic and paves the way for peace.
Where:City
- 15
Celebration of Unity
Two weeks after their adventures, humans return to their homes, and Oh finally gets to host his long-awaited party. The event unites Boov and humans alike, as they dance and celebrate, cementing their newfound friendship.
Where:Earth
Who Are the Main Characters in Home?
5 characters, among them Oh (Jim Parsons), Tip (Rihanna) and Captain Smek (Steve Martin): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Oh (Jim Parsons)
Played by Jim Parsons
Oh is a spirited and unconventional Boov who stands out due to his colorful emotional shifts. He is initially misunderstood and struggles with acceptance among his kind but gradually showcases his leadership qualities. His journey with Tip allows him to grow emotionally, turning his mistaken actions into valuable lessons of friendship and bravery.
- 👽 Boov
- 🎉 Fun
- 💙 Emotional
-
Tip (Rihanna)
Played by Rihanna
Tip is a determined preteen girl fueled by her desire to reunite with her mother. Her resilience and resourcefulness shine through as she navigates through challenges with Oh. Despite her initial anger towards the Boov invasion, her emotional depth drives her actions and fosters a bond with Oh, showcasing her strength and intuitive nature.
- 👧 Human
- 🚗 Adventurous
- 😡 Angry
-
Captain Smek (Steve Martin)
Played by Steve Martin
Captain Smek is the leader of the Boov, characterized by his quirky and eccentric behavior. His immediate reaction to take over Earth reflects his authoritative yet misguided nature. Throughout the film, he undergoes a transformation as he learns to recognize Oh's emerging leadership potential, which fosters a new direction for the Boov.
- 👨✈️ Leader
- 😅 Humorous
- 👀 Eccentric
-
Lucy (Jennifer Lopez)
Played by Jennifer Lopez
Lucy is Tip's mother who becomes a symbol of hope and longing for her daughter. Though her role is primarily as the missing figure, her influence drives Tip's courageous journey. Lucy's unwavering spirit embodies the parent-child bond that motivates Tip's actions throughout the film.
- 👩 Mother
- 💖 Hopeful
- 🌍 Kind
-
Kyle (Matt Jones)
Played by Matt Jones
Kyle is a Boov police officer who initially rejects Oh's attempts at friendship. His character represents the typical Boov attitudes towards companionship and highlights Oh's struggles for acceptance. Despite being part of the humor, Kyle's interactions help serve as a contrast to the developing friendship between Oh and Tip.
- 👮 Boov
- ❕ Standoffish
- 🤪 Comedic
Where and When Is Home Set?
Home is set in Earth, Australia, Paris and Eiffel Tower. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie does not specify a particular time period; it presents a contemporary world where aliens interact directly with human society. The events unfold rapidly amidst the backdrop of an invasion, characterized by chaos and unexpected friendships.
Where
Earth, Australia, Paris, Eiffel Tower
The movie takes place on Earth, primarily focusing on Australia, where humans are relocated during the Boov invasion. Paris is also a key location, specifically the iconic Eiffel Tower, which serves as the Boov Command Center. These vibrant settings contribute to the chaotic yet whimsical atmosphere of the story.
- 🌍 Planet
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇫🇷 France
What Are the Themes of Home?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Adventure and Loss.
-
01
Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to the story as Oh, a Boov, forms an unexpected bond with Tip, a human girl. Their alliance underscores the importance of unity in overcoming challenges, emphasizing how unlikely partnerships can lead to understanding and support. Through their journey, they learn to trust each other despite their differences.
-
02
Adventure
Adventure is a prominent theme as Tip and Oh embark on an exciting journey to find her mother and evade the pursuing Gorg. Their travels take them through various locations and challenges that test their ingenuity and resolve. Each encounter enhances their sense of exploration and personal growth.
-
03
Loss
Loss is poignantly portrayed through Tip’s longing for her mother, Lucy, who has been separated from her. This emotional struggle drives Tip's determination throughout the story, highlighting how loss can motivate individuals to take risks and seek out what they care about. Oh also faces a sense of loss in his identity as he learns the value of friendship.
What Kind of Film Is Home?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and whimsical interstellar adventure that combines quirky alien antics with a heartfelt journey of friendship and finding family, ultimately delivering a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
- whimsical
- adventurous
- heartwarming
- quirky
- hopeful
- energetic
- alien friendship
- found family
- belonging
- mother daughter relationship
Content notes: alien invasion, temporary family separation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Home? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Home
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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