Splice - Movie review

Dir: Vincenzo Natali Cast: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chaneac

Splice - Movie review

Splice
A; Sci-Fi/Drama/Thriller
Dir: Vincenzo Natali
Cast: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chaneac
Rating: ***

Well, at leastu00a0I tried! Delphine Chaneac (as Dren) gets dolled up by
Sarah Polley in a still from Splice

WHAT'S IT ABOUT: This is a film that tells you in no uncertain terms that playing God comes with consequences. Maverick scientists Clive Nicoli (Brody) and Elsa Kast (Polley) may be breaking new ground, splicing DNA at work and making love in bed, but their brashness in taking things to the next level (at work, not in bed) results in the genesis of a new creature - human in appearance and animalistic in temperament. Emotions replace a cold, clinical approach to science. What follows is mayhem.

WHAT'S HOT: The film's moot point is the use of prosthetics to create Dren (Chaneac). The story is such that you see the creature growing to adulthood in just a matter of days. Chaneac looks bewitching despite the appendages that makes her look like a freak. Brody is decidedly moody, an art he has perfected. Polley as the go-getter, the more aggressive of the two, shines. Natali helms the feature with a confident hand, something that is reflected in his shot-taking and imaginative visuals. The background score is engaging.

WHAT'S NOT: Considering how Dren develops, showing you how many animals (and creepy-crawlies, too, we assume) were used in creating her genetically, you are at a loss to understand why so many were added at all. A lot is left unexplained. Presumably, to keep the audience interested. What ultimately does interest you, is not the ignorance of this but rather the drama of it all.

WHAT TO DO: Enjoy the film for its tense moments. It won't be an entirely rewarding experience, but it won't be too disappointing either. Violent fare, this.