Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Home (2013) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Home (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 112 min · Malayalam
Directed by
Jono Oliver
Budget
$22M

This drama explores the lives of the members of Rainbow, a group of celebrities who have chosen an unconventional path, embracing independence and solo living. The film portrays their journey as they navigate the challenges and rewards of choosing to live outside societal norms, finding strength and beauty in self-reliance and the freedom of being single.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Home
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Home (2013)

Where can you watch Home? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

3 main characters · contains spoilers

Home Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Home (2013), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Oh (Jim Parsons)

    Oh is a free-spirited Boov who stands out among his species due to his excitement for life and yearning for friendship. His courage and resourcefulness are pivotal as he endeavors to help Tip find her mother while also grappling with the pressures of his own community. Oh's transformation throughout the film highlights themes of self-acceptance and bravery.

    • 👽 Boov
    • 💪 Courage
    • 🎉 Party
  • Tip (Rihanna)

    Tip is a determined preteen girl who displays resilience and resourcefulness as she searches for her mother after being separated during the Boov invasion. Though initially filled with anger towards the Boov, her character grows through her bond with Oh, showcasing themes of trust and understanding. Tip represents the human spirit's resolve to fight for loved ones.

    • 👧 Human
    • 🌟 Determination
    • 🤝 Allies
  • Captain Smek (Steve Martin)

    Captain Smek is the leader of the Boov, characterized by his comedic leadership style and self-serving demeanor. He struggles with feelings of insecurity and the consequences of his decisions, especially regarding the invasion of Earth. Despite his flaws, Smek serves as a foil to Oh, ultimately showcasing the potential for growth and change.

    • 👨‍✈️ Leader
    • 😂 Comedy
    • 🔄 Growth

Last updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Home Take Place?

The setting of Home (2013): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The timeline for the movie is contemporary, reflecting modern-day society where humans coexist with advanced technology and extraterrestrial beings. This setting portrays issues such as displacement and the search for belonging against the backdrop of a humorous and light-hearted narrative.

Location

Earth, Australia, Paris

The movie primarily takes place on Earth, specifically showcasing locations like Paris, where the Boov Command Center is situated in the floating Eiffel Tower, and Australia, where the Boov relocate humans. These settings serve as the backdrop for the conflict between the Boov and the Gorg, highlighting both the serene human environments and the sci-fi elements introduced by the alien characters.

  • 🗺️ Locations
  • 🌍 Earth

Last updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Home Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Home (2013) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Friendship

    The theme of friendship is central to the storyline, particularly between the Boov named Oh and the human girl Tip. Their relationship evolves from mistrust and conflict to collaboration and mutual support. The journey underscores the importance of understanding and accepting differences in order to build lasting bonds.

  • Home

    The concept of home is explored deeply through the experiences of both the Boov and humans. The Boov initially invade Earth in search of a refuge, while Tip's quest is driven by her desire to reunite with her mother and return to their home. Ultimately, the film conveys that home is not just a place, but the connections we form with others.

  • Adventure

    Adventure is a driving force in the plot as Oh and Tip navigate through various challenges to locate Lucy and fend off the Gorg. Their journey takes them through comedic scenarios and high-stakes encounters, illustrating the spirit of exploration and resilience amidst adversity.

Last updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Home Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Home (2013): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie Home set?

The movie takes place on Earth, primarily showcasing Paris, where the Boov Command Center is located in the floating Eiffel Tower, and Australia, where the Boov relocate humans. These contrasting settings blend serene human environments with sci-fi elements introduced by the alien characters.

  • paris
  • eiffel tower
  • australia
  • boov command center
  • locations
  • setting
Q2

When does Home take place?

The movie is set in contemporary, modern-day society where humans coexist with advanced technology and extraterrestrial beings. This contemporary setting allows the film to explore themes of displacement and belonging while maintaining a light-hearted, humorous tone.

  • modern day
  • contemporary
  • time period
  • setting
Q3

What are the main themes of Home?

The film explores three core themes: friendship, which centers on the evolving bond between Oh and Tip; home, which examines what home truly means beyond just a physical place; and adventure, which drives the characters through their quest to find Tip's mother and stop the Gorg threat.

  • friendship
  • home
  • adventure
  • themes
  • meaning
Q4

What does Home say about the concept of home?

The movie explores home as more than just a physical location. While the Boov initially invade Earth seeking refuge and Tip quests to reunite with her mother, the film conveys that home is fundamentally about the connections we form with others, not merely a place on a map.

  • home
  • belonging
  • family
  • concept of home
Q5

Who is Oh in Home?

Oh is a free-spirited Boov voiced by Jim Parsons, known for his excitement for life and deep yearning for friendship despite his species' xenophobic nature. His courage and resourcefulness are pivotal as he helps Tip find her mother while facing pressure from his own community.

  • oh
  • boov
  • jim parsons
  • main character
Q6

Who is Tip in Home?

Tip is a determined preteen girl voiced by Rihanna who displays resilience and resourcefulness after being separated from her mother during the Boov invasion. Initially angry toward the Boov, her character grows through her bond with Oh, showcasing themes of trust and understanding.

  • tip
  • rihanna
  • human girl
  • main character
Q7

Who is Captain Smek in Home?

Captain Smek is the leader of the Boov, voiced by Steve Martin, characterized by his comedic self-serving leadership style. He struggles with insecurity and the consequences of invading Earth, serving as a foil to Oh and ultimately showcasing potential for growth and change.

  • captain smek
  • steve martin
  • boov leader
  • antagonist
Q8

What is the relationship between Oh and Tip?

Oh and Tip's relationship evolves from initial mistrust and conflict to genuine collaboration and mutual support. Their journey demonstrates the importance of understanding and accepting differences to build lasting bonds across species, becoming the emotional core of the film.

  • oh
  • tip
  • relationship
  • bond
  • friendship
Q9

What is the tone of Home?

The tone is predominantly hopeful and lighthearted, despite the alien invasion premise. The film balances high stakes and urgency with whimsical humor, maintaining a medium intensity where conflicts resolve through communication and cross-cultural celebration.

  • tone
  • mood
  • humor
  • feel
Q10

Why do the Boov invade Earth in Home?

The Boov invade Earth seeking a new refuge, fleeing from their enemy the Gorg. Their invasion forces humans into relocation in Australia, setting the stage for the central conflict that Oh and Tip must navigate throughout their adventure.

  • boov
  • invasion
  • earth
  • refuge
  • aliens
Q11

What is the Gorg in Home?

The Gorg is the alien threat that the Boov fear and flee from, driving the plot's urgency. This enemy serves as the reason the Boov invade Earth and creates the stakes that Oh and Tip must overcome to save both their species.

  • gorg
  • enemy
  • threat
  • alien

Movie threads

More Movies Like Home, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Home tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Hopeful Sci-Fi Adventures like Home

Out-of-this-world friendships that bridge differences and save the day. If you enjoyed the friendly alien and inter-species cooperation in Home, you'll love these movies. This list features other heartwarming sci-fi stories where communication and friendship triumph over fear, perfect for viewers seeking optimistic and adventurous tales.

  • hopeful
  • heartwarming
  • adventurous
  • whimsical
  • optimistic
  • friendship
  • Tone: hopeful, heartwarming
  • Pacing: fast, adventure-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically involves a protagonist, often a child or an outsider, forming a deep bond with a misunderstood alien or creature. This friendship becomes the key to resolving a larger conflict, such as an invasion or cultural misunderstanding, through empathy and teamwork rather than violence.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared hopeful tone, light emotional weight, and focus on the positive power of friendship within a sci-fi setting. They deliver a feel-good experience centered on themes of acceptance and finding common ground.

Fast-Paced Animated Movies like Home

Colorful, energetic quests where the journey is as important as the destination. Fans of the speedy chase and constant motion in Home will enjoy these selections. These animated films share a fast pacing, often involving a road trip or quest, blending action with humor and heart for an exciting viewing experience similar to Home.

  • fast-paced
  • adventurous
  • energetic
  • humorous
  • colorful
  • quest
  • Tone: adventurous, lighthearted
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The story structure is a quest or chase, frequently against a ticking clock. Characters are constantly on the move, encountering a series of obstacles and allies in rapid succession. This pacing creates excitement and forward momentum, while character development is woven into the action-packed journey.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their fast pacing, which creates a specific energetic and engaging vibe. They balance action and humor with emotional beats, resulting in a lighthearted yet thrilling animated experience that appeals to a broad audience.

If you liked this

Movies Like Home

Similar movies to Home: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Home (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Home in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app