Splice (2009)

At first glance Splice may seem like the ideal film to watch this Halloween season. Essentially it is a sci-fi/horror film, which sees two scientists engaging in an experiment that results in terrifying consequences. However, Splice should not be dismissed as a run of the mill horror film. There is so much more to it than a few frights.

In Splice, Adrien Brody (King Kong, Predators) and Sarah Polley (Go, Dawn of the Dead) portray scientists and lovers Clive and Elsa, superstars in their field. They have made tremendous success splicing the DNA of different species together, but this success leads to greater expectations.

They wish to bring human DNA into the mix, but that plan is nixed by their benefactors, N.E.R.D. (Nucleic Exchange Research & Development). So they decided to proceed with their human DNA splicing in secret, although Clive has reservations about carrying on the process. Whether it was out of love for Elsa, or perhaps, as the 1982 Thomas Dolby song suggested she blinded him with science, their experiment results in the birth of Dren, a blend of human with several other animals thrown in.

From there the film focuses not only on Dren's remarkable development, but on the changing dynamic between Elsa and Clive. They have essentially become parents, which is stressful under any circumstances. This stress does damage to not only their relationship, but also their thriving careers.

Out of fear of discovery, they are forced to uproot themselves to Elsa's abandoned family farm. There they are both marvelled, and appalled at what Dren is capable of. Splice illustrates that just because you can do something, doesn't mean that you should before examining all of the possible consequences. It's a similar message to the one found in a little film Steven Spielberg made about dinosaurs a few years back.

The acting in Splice is what truly separates it from other films in its genre. Brody won a Best Actor Award at the Oscars a few years back, so clearly he is bringing the goods to this role. Polley has been one of Canada's most gifted actresses since her days starring in Road to Avonlea. Both are excellent in the film, as is Delphine Chanéac as Dren. The relative newcomer doesn't utter a word in the film, but her expressions and body language speak volumes.

Splice was just recently released on DVD and Blu-ray, so be on the lookout for it at video retailers everywhere.

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars