Splice (2010)

Written by Vincenzo Natali & Antoinette Terry-Bryant and Doug Taylor
Directed by Vincenzo Natali

Post-post-modern geneticists Clive (Adrian Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) have been told their latest breakthrough in genetic splicing, Fred, is not enough. It's not enough to have created a hybrid species that produces enough protein to replace entire food industries, they have to monetize the process and make it commercially viable.

Stuck in the chasm between art, science, and cost, they decide that the company is always going to do this, that they only have one shot: If they're going to splice human and animal DNA, they have to do it now, just to see what happens. So they do.

What would normally be an exciting sci-fi/horror shocker hybrid really comes off as a preachy, strange, and somewhat directionless plot. It's supposed to be about rockstar scientists living on the edge, but it dwindles to a domestic drama with the hybrid baby being the object of controversy for the rest of the film.

I said this would be a better story to tell in a book, and on that note, a book with better overall plot/theme. The thing is, the concept has immense promise, it can go so many different ways. Instead, they chose to go every way. Not only is it a Frankenstein story, it's Frankenstein by way of Lolita by way of Species by way of Jeepers Creepers, in the construct of a terse Woody Allen drama about human relationships.

In short, all these ideas crash into each other, none is fully developed, and the plot winds up going in some silly directions. I suppose if you're terrified of bestiality, this would hold many great terrors for you, but really, in the end, it's a mess. Many of the CGI f/x are very lackluster, but they're saved in part by the extremely awesome practical f/x, as rare as they are.

To me, the most trouble aspect is it seems the visionary Natali has been misconstrued by the studio system, that much is obvious. What I don't understand is his need for the studio money, he could've gotten a similar cast, sets, and f/x for about a quarter of the money, and then would've had complete autonomy. Oh well, guess every director has a misstep now and again, let's just hope Natali keeps moving forward and doesn't think twice about this one.

8.2/10