Splice

 

Splice 2009

• Director: Vincenzo Natali
• Seen by this director: Orphan Black, Paris je t’aime
• Based on book: no
• Cast: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac, Brandon McGibbon
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Adrien Brody – Detachment, Cadillac Records, Darjeeling Limited, King Kong, The Pianist, The Village, Bread and Roses, Liberty Heights
• Sarah Polley – Slings and Arrows, The Secret Life of Words, Dawn of the Dead, Go, eXistenZ
• Why?  Polley and Brody
• Seen:  24 June 2023 

Scientists Elsa (Polley) and Clive (Brody) have found a way to splice DNA from other creatures into humans with the potential power to cure many genetic diseases. Their bosses refuse to let them continue because their research is required to produce profits, so Elsa and Clive go maverick and create a sort of a monster. Or is it a sort of a human?

She (Cháneac) grows quickly and Elsa and Clive secretly become her parents.

It’s hard to know what to make of this film. In a way it’s a comedy. Or a parody of the woes of parents of a rebellious teen-ager. Or sci fi horror about messing with DNA. Or a poke at profit-hungry pharmaceutical companies.

All of the above, but why the tiresome gender stereotypes?

In truth, it’s an odd and absurd jumble. But entertaining and imaginative at times. 

3* of 5