Splice Review

The genre of “science-fiction/horror” was never one I really cared for let alone approved of. Why? Because, next to romantic comedies, it is probably the most cliched addled genre in terms of cinema. Take for an example, the “Doom” film (based upon the computer game Doom). Right from the start one can see its plot devices and where it's going to end up: in the beginning scene we watch as a scientist runs through an arbitrarily dark hall-way from a monster we only get glimpses of. Now, though this scene should instill a sense of mystery and fear as to what the monster is or where it came from. Instead, it just gives away the fact that the scientists were conducting top-secret (and most likely inhumane) experiments and it all went to hell and now Commando Joe must shoot his way to safety as all his comrades are one by one devoured by aforementioned failed-science experiment. “Splice” breaths new life into the genre with a cracker-jack story, nerve racking suspense and fully developed three dimensional characters: ladies and gentlemen, prepared to have the “horror” and “science” put back into the “science-fiction/horror” genre.

The premise of “Splice” is intriguing at the very least: Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody) and Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley) are married scientists that are currently working on a substitute for conventional meats. After succeeding in creating the animal to provide the substitute, they are then ordered to isolate a the protein responsible for muscle tissue of the organism. However, they want to move on and begin experimenting with human DNA in order to begin research of diseases. The company, they work for however, wishes that they carry out their ordered task because the project's funds are quickly be drained, as well as the fear of the moral outrage that may be incurred if they mix human DNA with that of an animals. Knowing that they cannot continue research under the company's label, the couple secretly mixes human DNA with that of a few different animals. The result is Dren, a sort of all too human super-modelesque thing with dear-like legs and a tail with retractable spike.

Now, with a premise like this a film can easily devolve into a retarded flick filled with blood and guts and two dimensional, annoying as hell characters that don't have the mildest sense of survival. However, “Splice” chooses to be intelligent, instead rushing us to the monster it eases us in with characters. Another new idea it experiments with is making the monster a real character with emotions and motives. See, as opposed to a monster like “The Thing” from John Carpenter's “The Thing,” Dren doesn't run around killing people for no other reason than to excite the audience. She is a shy emotional, childish creature and like a child she doesn't quite understand her feelings but she definitely has them and will act on them. The scientists as well don't subject themselves to the idiocy of sci-fi/horror conventions. No doubt, the decisions they make are bad, but not stupid. Hiding Dren from the world in barn may seem like the wrong thing to do, but they have their reasons, they can't just give up their experiment because their boss may find it: it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for scientific study.

Now, a film like this will eventually need something to maintain momentum story, after all watching scientists take notes on an animal's behavior wouldn't wouldn't be entertaining at all. So, how does it implement its propellant? With Elsa. As the film goes one Elsa begins to treat Dren with more of a mother's demeanor than a scientist's, she dresses Dren up, teaches her how to spell and gives Dren her childhood memorabilia. This is undoubtedly where the film draws most its power, watching Dren long for a Barby's beauty as she looks at herself in a mirror is at the very least, heart-wrenching.

With a powerful mid sequence “Splice” sadly goes downhill at the end. I will not tell why but Dren begins to kill people for no real reason than to add a conclusion to the story. However, the end isn't all loss, there is a short and very disturbing sequence where the film adds to the “strangely human” aspect of Dren. Besides that however, the ending is one of contrivances.

In spite of all it's flaws however, “Splice” still manages grade-A science-fiction and is more than worth the eight to ten dollars you'll be spending on it. A brilliantly disturbing piece that if not for an uneven ending, is great and refreshing. Not too mention the best movie I've seen all year. 4.5/5