Splice

Starring: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chaneac, Brandon McGibbon
Directed by: Vincenzo Natali
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two scientists (Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley) break several laws and ethical violations when they secretly create a human-animal hybrid. They name the creature Dren (Delphine Chaneac) and study her while she rapidly ages. However, things suddenly become more complicated as they take increasingly large risks to keep their creation a secret.

Review:

Tim: I really wanted to like Splice. It has been a while since I saw a good creature feature, and this one looked special. Rather than going the old route, this film appeared to take a more scientific, realistic approach to the matter. Despite what this movie appeared to be, it falls short of its initial promise. The film could have been a thoughtful (but entertaining) meditation on science run amok and the repercussions that happen as a result. Instead, it turns into purely another monster movie, albeit with some surprisingly disturbing scenes.

The movie starts out strongly, with a very scientifically focused story. While there are some weak and absurd moments (Why would he put the scalpel in his mouth?), the basic idea of gene splicing is legitimate, as are some of the possibilities the movie suggests. However, the longer the movie goes on, the more crazy it becomes, and the weaker and weaker grasp on reality it maintains. I like that the creature they create is rapidly-aging. Monsters in movies are always rapidly aging because a twenty year wait until the havoc begins doesn't make for very good entertainment. This makes sense, but it's also a bit of a cliche. This isn't the only cliche you'll find.

I suppose Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley do a good job as the two scientists. I believed them in the roles, although I don't believe either is a terrific actor. They do a servicable job, and don't detract from the film. Delphine Chaneac does a good job as Dren. Dren is an interesting character because there is definitely something attractive about her, but she is also somewhat horrifying as well. This blend was critical for the film's story, and the movie does achieve this well. Dren is impressive to look at- while the special effects weren't revolutionary, they were realistic enough not to detract from the film.

The biggest problem I have with this movie is that it gets increasingly hard to believe the longer the movie goes on. The movie starts out strongly, but it gets weaker and weaker as it goes on. The film eventually becomes just another monster movie, when it should have been much more. The film trades in brains for scares, and it doesn't work very well. That is not to say the film isn't disturbing. There are a few amazingly disturbing scenes, although not in the way you might expect. I still am having a difficult time shaking those moments off.

Splice was an ambitious idea, and I love that aspect of it. Horror movies need an infusion of intelligence, and this one certainly has some unique characteristics. That is a good thing, and I like the direction this movie is going in- however, I don't like the end result. What started out as promise eventually sinks under cliches and tired, used ideas and events. I was disturbed by this movie, which is good because that meant it got under my skin. However, I wasn't particularly entertained, and for that reason, this movie is a disappointment.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



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