Splice (2010)

Premise: Two genetic scientists do what they shouldn't and add human DNA to their experiment.

Stars: Adrien Brody * Sarah Polley * Delphine Chanéac * David Hewlett

Story: Two genetic scientists, Elsa and Clive, are working on projects that may provide medical benefits to people suffering numerous maladies with a genetic basis. They experiment on creating new lifeforms combining genetic traits of several species and, intoxicated by their success, they decide to move to the next level and use human DNA. Unfortunately their program sponsor and their boss want to concentrate on retrieving products from the current creations and do not want to move forward without gaining the support of the shareholders.

The scientists move forward on their own, creating a human hybrid named Dren.

Review: While the technology and attitude is cutting edge, the film is a definite throwback to the moral tale of the first Frankenstein film. While the scientists are human and the hybrid is definitely not - chicken legs, four fingers, eventually wings, and a tail with a venomous stinger - it is the hybrid that earns the sympathy of the viewer. This film is definitely a notch above the typical "mad scientist" flick of the past decade or so (eg. Mimic, Species).

Adrien Brody (Clive) and Sarah Polley (Elsa) - references to the original scientist and his bride from Frankenstein - put in strong performances as the two scientists. Dressed in the trappings of geek culture - T-shirts and jackets, an AMC Pacer for a car, anime posters, etc. - the two scientists are also lovers and are simultaneously dreaming of a better place for themselves, as well as pushing the boundaries of science for the betterment of mankind. There is an ongoing dialogue regarding self-discovery of themselves and a growing realization of the harm they've done to themselves, to their research, and to the new lifeform, named Dren.

Dren really steals the show, as the monster did in Frankenstein. From its first appearance as a defensive lifepod (carrying Dren) to the rabbit-chicken infant, the creature moves from something to be feared and destroyed to an "almost cute" and needing to be examined and protected. As Dren grows, the girl-like appearance draws the viewer in as she is incapable of speech but clearly demonstrates emotions and intelligence. When the secrecy surrounding her is threatened by the scientists' boss (played by David Hewlett, Rodney of Stargate: Atlantis fame), the pair move the child to Elsa's old family farm.

Once there, the film focuses on the emotional development of the now young-adult Dren (Chanéac) and her relationships with her "parents". We can see the frustration on her face as she yearns to be outside the farm, to experience life without being chained or hidden. Yet the film doesn't play on the typical "Why am I not like other people" trope that many other films have used. Dren knows she's different but simply wants to feel sunlight and freedom.

One of the strengths of the film is that as we watch Dren develop through the film, the relationship between Elsa and Clive also changes; additional character traits are shown and their relationship moves from ecstatic scientists reveling in creation (like new parents) to fears over what they have done (for the future, for themselves) to loving Dren as an actual child. The strength of the casting is clearly on display - from Brody's anguished spontaneous attempt to kill Dren, to Polley's just-below-the-surface madness as she tries to control Dren.

There are a few horrific moments in the film that will place the viewer on the edge of their seats, but the slow-burn of the film and the great character development is a great counterweight. While I expected simply another "genetic experiment gone awry" like the earlier films, it was a pleasant surprise to see a true throwback to the classics.

Definitely a great modern take on the classic Frankenstein. Easily recommended.

Overall: Good

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