Directed by Vincenzo Natali.
Written by Vincenzo Natali and Antoinette Terry Bryant.
Starring Sarah Polly, Adrien Brody, Delphine Chaneac, Brandon McGibbon, Simona Maicancescu and David Hewlett.
"Science's Newest Miracle...Is A Mistake"
Science fiction and horror combine, as they often do, in this gene-splicing variation on the Frankenstein theme with extraordinary success. Two scientists, Elsa and Clive, have succeeding in combining a number of animals and plants to create a new species that will hopefully produce a valuable protein enzyme. Once they've created both a male and female version, their benefactors call for a shift to "phase two" which means Elsa and Clive have to abandon their plans to add human DNA to mix in hopes to find a cure for many of the diseases plaguing mankind. Elsa, unable to accept a halt in her experiments, convinces her fellow scientist and lover, Clive, in secretly continuing development. They succeed and Dren is born but they cannot share their success with anyone.
Vincenzo Natali's Splice is an effective and thrilling film. Elsa and Clive are well crafted and rich characters even if they don't seem to care about each other as much as they (and possibly the script) pretend. Science is their passion; it seems they are together more so they won't be alone - their relationship is strained and lacks compassion. At least, on screen, we're mostly presented with their professional interactions. Elsa is driven and rebellious, Clive is more professional but easily directed - he's a follower. As Dren is in the incubator, we learn that Clive would like a child one day and Elsa would not in a scene that, at first, seems trite and throw-away; however, later, it becomes more important and revealing. Once Dren is born, Elsa become very motherly while Clive remains distant, quite the opposite of the desires they previously expressed. Then, to twist it further, Elsa becomes more oppressive toward Dren, suggesting just below the surface that she's becoming much like how her mother treated her. And, Clive become more emotionally tied to Dren; so much, so he reveals that he loves her. Throughout the film, it slides little nuggets like this, thinly veiled.
Thankfully the film does not have to rely on the relationship between Elsa and Clive to thrive, it's the relationship Dren has with the two scientists - both together and separately that drives the narrative. It is compelling. When the script circles back to the political elements of the company financing the experiments, the film stumbles a bit. Clive's brother, and fellow scientist, Gavin and their managing scientist, Barlow are both dead weight, dull and slow the film when they're on screen. Other than financier, Joan Chorot who is oddly involving, there are no other characters important enough to mention. It is the focus on Elsa, Clive and Dren that help Splice to succeed.
Surprisingly, Splice has very little gore but is heavy on effects. Much of any horrific events center on the emotional affects adding human DNA to the experiment creates. It also bravely exposes some of the horrors of treatment of animals as Dren is treated like an animal but also expresses strong human qualities; while she can't speak, she is very intelligent and can later spell and draw and begins to show emotion. There are times Elsa is a horrific as Dren. However, there is a single standout gory moment in the film when Dren's predecessors (who lack human DNA), Fred and Ginger, are presented to a crowded auditorium and things go terribly wrong.
Splice is an enjoyable, solid, smart science fiction horror film. It treats the viewer with respect and never preaches, but still has opinions. The effects are strong and believable. Recommended.
7.5 out of 10
No comments:
Post a Comment