Splice

Elsa and Clive are superstar geneticists on the verge of a major breakthrough.  They have successfully spliced genes together from different animal species and are poised to share their research with the world - and make millions for the pharmaceutical company they work for.  The next logical step is to create a human/animal hybrid, but their employer puts a halt on further experiments until they can be sure the public is ready to accept such radical science.  When Elsa and Clive decide to test their theories in secret, they successfully produce a viable organism - nicknamed Dren - which has dire consequences for their career and their relationship.  Elsa and Clive are played by Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody; once you get past the fact that this couple is way too young and attractive to play such pioneers in their field, you realize that these are two great actors who can pull off almost any story.  Unfortunately, the film is less of the smart sci-fi/thriller type and veers more towards the monster horror flick route.  Instead of being a thought-provoking thriller that makes you ponder on the ethical and moral questions it poses, the film resorts to putting these two interesting characters in generic situations where they are being chased by their own creation.  The story hints at an interesting back story for Elsa, but never delves deep enough into her childhood history with her mother to see what makes her tick.  Maybe if it did, the decision Elsa makes at the end of the movie would make more sense; instead, we are left perplexed that someone so intelligent would take such a crazy and irrational turn.  For what it is, the film is entertaining enough, and the special effects for Dren were pretty impressive.  There's some fun fluff here, but I was really hoping for something with a bit more substance.


3 out of 5 stars