The trailer for Splice made the hairs on my neck stand on end. With such an awesome trailer, I was certain there would be enough good material in this film to make it worthwhile. There was. In a sense, this film spliced together some great elements from other films in this genre that have gone before it. But it also pioneered new ground.
Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody) and Elsa Cast (Sarah Polley) are scientists who are just shy of married. They are co-workers at a research lab that has the appropriate acronym N.E.R.D. The laboratory has been tasked with isolating a particular hybrid gene for pharmaceutical use. As pioneers in the world of gene-splicing, the two have created a concoction of species from both the plant and animal kingdom that would make Dr. Frankenstein envious. They have created an over-sized grublike creature that produces several genetic traits with pharmacological potential. Now their research creeps into the realm of the taboo...
Human gene splicing. The very thought of using human genetics in an experiment of this type would likely rouse vociferous opposition. The two are advised by the source of their endowment that they are to continue isolating the gene from their current experiment and to leave the human genetics for a day when public opinion has turned. Throwing caution to the wind, the pair lurch forward to test their human genetic hypotheses. Each successful stage of research leads to another breach of morality and another decision to continue pushing forward. In an interesting parallel, the issue of morality transcends the experiment and crosses greater barriers. This intelligent examination of the issue creates plenty of fodder for dialogue in addition to creating tremendous suspense. Splice manages this cross-over without taking sides on the issue.
Director Vincenzo Natali wrote the story and screenplay along with writer Antoinette Terry Bryant. Writer Doug Taylor assisted with the screenplay. The writers managed to create strong, developed characters that are fairly credible. There were times when their actions defied logic, but some of that relates to the story. The story itself has some predictable moments, and uses graphic foreshadowing to help the story make sense when the major plot twists happen. The story seems to pay tribute to similar films in the genre but manages to be an original story that stands on its own merit. The actual dialogue was decent, but a bit touchy at times. Overall, strong writing.
Brody and Polley have decent screen chemistry and needed to work well together for the film to seem credible. With two strong characters, their performances were essential to making the story work. I felt that both actors were up to the task. Other characters in the story were very one dimensional, which limited my enjoyment of their performances. Brandon McGibben plays Clives brother Gavin. His character seems slightly slacker, hanging on to his brother's coat-tails. McGibben didn't appeal much to me. Joan Chorat (Simona Maicanescu) provides the face of the corporation that has endowed the research. Icy cold is predictable, but Maicanescu wears it well. The "creature" is called Dren (NERD spelled backwards). The task of bringing a human hybrid to life was bestowed upon actress Delphine Chaneac. I have to give Chaneac credit, she was attractive, but alien enough for me to be creeped out by her. With the help of some awesome special effects, Chaneac pulls it off.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the special effects. For a sci-fi based suspense thriller, Splice offered up the expected technology for the genre. Good sci-fi always finds believable technology that facilitates the story being told. In this case, a combination of machinery and computers that simulate procreation and gestation. But Splice does not stop with just fancy bells and whistles. Dren has Ostrich-like legs that create a bit of bounce. The interaction between the animators and the actress made the effect creepily seamless. There were other manifestations of the hybrid traits that become part of the plot. These manifestations were accompanied by excellent special effects that were realistic enough to hold my attention. This one hour, 44 minute film is rated R. Strong sexuality and nudity lead me to recommend a teen audience or older.
Splice takes a fresh look at science fiction, delivering great suspense in an intelligently written script. The combination of great twists, strong acting and introspection allow the writers to develop a story that had me gripping my seat at times. There were some points where I wondered about the logic behind some of the actions, but those actions were pertinent to the story and were not beyond the realm of possibility (if such a set of circumstances actually existed). the interaction of the characters seemed natural and the performances of the major players were delivered efficiently. As a whole, Splice might find its own cult following. An expected sequel never materialized. I would recommend this film. 7.5/10.
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